The Rutland Rut

So, what to do down at the hide on Rutland Water, when ones son refuses to reliquish the long lens that we are sharing (Grrr...) in order to get his shot of the Ospreys? The answer is to look for action in the shallows not far from the front of the hide where a pair of Grebe's were performing their courtship ritual, rearing up facing each other and offering each other a bit of weed. I was very happy with this and got some good shots, but it didn't stop there - oh no! - and on the first date too - really! It was straight onto the main course, if you see what I mean.

So, what did I do? I wrestled the lens back of James who by now had bagged his shot (Grrr....again) and got a good view of the proceedings. First she found a small raised island no bigger than her body, and only just above the water level. There she lay completely prone like she is in the photo, all submissive-like. Then he approached her from behind and jumped on her back, did his thing with a good deal of flapping and noise (naturally), then he jumped off over her head and landed in the water beyond with much dramatic splashing. Show off!
Then after 30 minutes, they were at it again!
What a privilege to witness that and see the ospreys too. I can thoroughly recommend a visit to this place - just remarkable.