The osprey season at Rutland Water got off to a dramatic start as a resident female confronted an unwelcome rival.
Maya and her mate – he is called 33(11) – have been captured on the live webcam overlooking their Manton Bay nest at the reservoir.
The pair have bred there since 2015, spending winters in Africa and summers in Rutland.
The unwelcomed female (back) landed at the pair’s nest shortly after Maya’s arrival. Photo: Rutland Water Ospreys/Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust/Anglian WaterMaya confronting the unwelcome rival. Photo: Rutland Water Ospreys/Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust/Anglian Water
But their reunion this year was interrupted by the arrival of another female.
Maya, clutching a fish, wasted no time chasing the intruder away. “Maya doesn’t share,” said an online post by the Rutland Osprey Project.
The drama continued when the unwelcome female attempted to land again, but Maya, with wings outstretched, forced her to retreat.
Maya confronting the unwelcome rival. Photo: Rutland Water Ospreys/Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust/Anglian WaterMaya and her mate 33(11) arrived at Manton Bay nest. Photo: Rutland Water Ospreys/Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust/Anglian Water
The first osprey to return to Rutland for the breeding season arrived on Sunday, March 16, and more are expected. The live camera is at: https://www.lrwt.org.uk/rutlandospreys.