Ospreys are increasingly seen passing through the south of England in the autumn en route to their wintering grounds in West Africa. They’re known to stop over at wildlife havens like Fishlake Meadows to hone their fishing skills and feeds, sometimes for weeks at a time.

Over the past few weeks an adult osprey has regularly been seen perched on branches of the dead trees that cross the site, from where it has a good vantage point across the water to spot its prey.

Jo Armson, Wildlife Trust Reserves Officer said: “The spectacle of these amazing birds of prey diving towards the water’s surface, stretching out their talons and scooping fish out of the water is one to behold.

“There are only a handful places across the country where you can reliably see osprey, let alone so close to a busy town centre. It’s really exciting to see them here, and we hope that through improving habitat and creating new viewing facilities, it’ll be a wildlife spectacle that people will be able to enjoy over many summers to come.”

This is not the first time an osprey has been seen at Fishlake Meadows. In fact ospreys were first recorded here in June 2011. Since then they have been seen every year, except 2014. They have been a regular visitor in spring and autumn, sometimes with 2 birds present, staying for several weeks or even months. Fishlake Meadows has become one of the most reliable sites in Hampshire to see them.