Three osprey chicks took to the air for the first time at Rutland Water taking the total number of fledged chicks to 22 since 2001.
The chicks will remain in Rutland until the end of the month when they will embark upon the epic 3,000 mile journey to West Africa – a flight which they undertake completely alone.
Project officer Tim Mackrill said: "The long-term aim of the proj
ect is to re-establish ospreys across the whole of the southern half of the UK, so every chick is absolutely vital. It's really encouraging that three more Rutland chicks have fledged this year."
Although the successful nest is situated on private land, up to 12 adult ospreys have been seen at Rutland Water in recent weeks.
Birdwatchers have been flocking in their thousands to the Lyndon Reserve where three of the spectacular fish-eating birds of prey can regularly be seen.
Tim added: "Unfortunately the pair of ospreys who nested at Lyndon this spring failed to raise any chicks, but the adult birds have remained around the nest site all summer, providing great views for visitors. In addition, a younger male has been holding territory at a nest just a few hundred yards away and other ospreys can often be seen flying over."
With just three pairs of ospreys in England, the birds are a big draw and are becoming increasingly important to the Rutland economy. Tim said: "People travel from all over the country specifically to see the birds, and that obviously has a very beneficial effect on the local economy."
An Osprey Family Fun Day is being held at the Lyndon nature reserve next Wednesday. More details on (01572) 737378.
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