Ospreys enjoyed throughout Devon this autumn!

Ospreys have been seen frequently using the many estuaries this autumn as they stock up before their autumn migration to west Africa.

At least four different Ospreys have been seen fishing at Seaton Wetlands and the Axe estuary. This has led to a huge number of people heading for the Tower Hide at Seaton Wetlands in East Devon to enjoy close-up views of the birds fishing very close to the hide. The estuary is plentiful in grey mullet, a fish species which feeds on the water surface, and is ideal prey for the exclusively piscivorous Osprey as they look to build up energy reserves before a huge southerly migration to west Africa.

Devon Osprey Partnership is collaborating with the Seaton Wetlands team to develop plans for installing nesting platforms for ospreys this winter, aiming to attract them as summer residents in the Axe Estuary.

The Ospreys have provided numerous wildlife photographers with the chance to capture stunning images of the birds, leading to a tremendous buzz on various social media platforms.

Visitors to the Lower Otter Restoration Project were treated to amazing views of two migrating Ospreys as they fished over the shallows and perched in the center of the newly established saltmarsh on the dead tree (pictured below c. Nick Howe)

There have been numerous sightings of Ospreys on the Exe estuary, particularly with birds choosing to feed and roost at Powderham estate. There were also reports of excellent views from The Turf Hotel of at least three individuals fishing between the Turf and Bowling Green Marsh.

Heading westward, a minimum of five Ospreys have been consistently spotted in September and October along the river Dart, specifically in the area between Galmpton creek and Stoke Gabriel. Several sightings have occurred on Mike Langman's annual Osprey cruises, where excellent views of various birds have been enjoyed by his clients.

There have been many sightings of Ospreys along all of Devon's rivers, with several sightings reported on the Taw, Torridge, Axe, Otter, Exe, Teign, Dart, Erme, Yealm, Tamar, and Tavy rivers, as well as the Kingsbridge estuary. It has been delightful to witness so many people appreciating these birds during their short visits - it would be fantastic to have them nesting in Devon in the years to come!