Reserve's first osprey chicks of 2025 hatch

The first osprey chicks of the year have hatched at Rutland Water Nature Reserve.

A bird called Maya laid a clutch of four eggs in a nest at Manton Bay at the reserve.

The first egg hatched at about 20:55 BST on Friday, followed by a second at 04:30 on Sunday.

Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust said the first few days would be vital for the chicks as they start to eat and build their strength.

Elizabeth Hare, information assistant at Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust, said: "With the first chick, we could see a difference in the first few hours, which is really important as they need to be able to hold their heads up and call for food.

"Hopefully, in the next few days, we'll be getting more chicks."

Maya has nested at the site since 2015 with a male osprey, with the pair raising 20 chicks since.

Ospreys often spend the winter in West African countries such as Senegal and The Gambia before returning to the UK in spring.

It usually takes between 35 and 42 days between an egg being laid and it hatching.

Maya's breeding partner will stay with the pair during the fledging process and has been seen bringing fish back to the nest for Maya and their offspring.

The wildlife trust has a webcam aimed at the nest which is providing a live feed of footage to its YouTube channel.

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