Ospreys – Axe 2008

Every year we have Ospreys coming through the Axe Valley. In the spring they are flying to their breeding areas in the North after wintering in Africa. In autumn they return and this is the best time to see them, as some birds (particularly juveniles) linger in the Lower Axe for hours, days or even weeks, enjoying the mullet from the river.

At least twelve birds were sighted in 2008, most of them in the autumn.  One stayed for 3 days and was seen to catch fish and then fly all the way to a particular tree in Shute to eat, a distance of approximately 3 miles.  This was unusual because most birds feed closer to the river, but once a bird has chosen a feeding location, it usually remains loyal to it, perhaps explaining this bird’s actions. The Osprey which was the main attraction was a juvenile which stayed from 14th Sept. to Oct 2nd. Many people had wonderful close views of this bird as it fished at Axmouth and then took its prey to an old telegraph pole on Colyford Reserve to eat. The pole top was so small that the fish’s tail hung over the edge as the bird started eating at the head end of the fish. If it was a large mullet, and he/she did catch some big ones; the bird would spend up to 4 hours eating it.  The post had been erected by the Warden with a kestrel nest box attached. I’m afraid the Osprey rather made a ‘mess’ of the box!

This bird was certainly a hit, and pictures appeared in the local newspapers. Lots of people had wonderful views,and for those who weren’t lucky this year,keep your eyes open next September and speak to local birdwatchers, who will I’m sure, tell you when an Osprey is around, and where it can be seen.

Photo of Osprey by Karen Woolley.