An Osprey at Bowyer's Water, Lea Valley Park. 31st August 2023

An Osprey had been sighted fishing on Bowyer's Water for a few days and then flying off with its catch towards Gunpowder Park. It was making up to three visits a day, catching Perch so time for a visit. I got there just after 9am and was chatting to Sandra and Kevin who were already in position when 10 minutes later it appeared. It did not hang about and went straight for a fish.

It had three failed attempts. I later found out it is a juvenile so still learning!

Some more shots as it tried again.

On the fourth attempt it finally caught a Perch and started to fly off.

Then the Gulls, sensing an opportunity for an easy meal, moved in!

However it hung on to its catch and the Gulls gave up. I could see the bird was ringed and some enquiries revealed it was a juvenile Scottish bird, ringed in Aberdeenshire. A truly remarkable few minutes!