cover photo by Giampaolo Masserano
 The information about this location have been automatically translated with Microsoft Translator. Rank : 8.0 (average on 1 votes)Coordinates : 52.65723, -0.68747 ( Open in Google Maps) Subjects : The Rutland Water Nature Reserve is a large lake around which there are two natural areas (The Anglian Water Bird Watching Centre and the Lyndon Visitor Centre) in which numerous huts have been placed from which it is possible to spot and photograph many species of birds: grey heron, egret, bittern, waders, ducks, kingfishers, red kites and many others. With a lot of luck in the evening hours it is also possible to spot the otter and in the small pools of water the very rare and endangered European water vole (Arvicola amphibius). The lake is particularly known for the nesting of some pairs of Ospreys, which can be easily seen in flight or perched on specially prepared nests (monitored by cameras). It is also possible to book short evening cruises on small boats (accompanied by local experts), with interesting photo opportunities. But the real "must" is the Horn Hill Trout Farm, which is located not far away: it is a fish farm in which a hut has been built at the edge of a tank full of fish to photograph the Osprey diving to hunt. The sessions last about four hours, one in the early morning and one in the late afternoon. Outside the hut, a volunteer radios the arrival of the Falcon: from that moment on, you have 6-10 seconds to take photos. Normally, for each turn you have from 5 to 12 dives or passes in flight at very close range to the point that you only need a medium-telephoto to take good photos (although the light is sometimes problematic due to the trees surrounding the body of water and the English climate...Recommended equipment : On the lake of the Rutland Water Nature Reserve, birds are almost always located at a considerable distance, so it is mandatory to have extreme telephoto lenses. On the other hand, in the Horn Hill Trout Farm you can photograph very well with medium zooms, i.e. 70-200, 70-300 or 100-400: long canvases are useless because the Osprey descends and dives a few meters from the shed.Best months : In summer, the species that can be spotted are those mentioned, but it is in winter that the area is stormed by thousands of birds (especially geese) from Northern Europe.How to get there : Landing at Stansted, the area is about 90 miles to the northwest, so it can be reached in about an hour and a half via the (free) M11, A1 and then A606 motorways. Possibility to stay overnight in Oakham (the nearest village), with some B&Bs and good restaurants.Visits : Entrance to the two oases (Anglian Water Bird Watching and Lyndon) is free but you need to pay for parking (7.50 GBP with reductions for seniors, children, etc.; hours from 9 am to 5 pm but you can access or stay on site even beyond these hours). The photo session at Horn Hill Trout Farm costs £87 for about four hours of stakeout; It is necessary to book online well in advance because the certainty of taking good photos attracts many photographers especially in the afternoon shift (mail:lawrenceball66@yahoo.com) Notes : | | Nearby:   Cambridge 74 km
 Lumsdale 78 km
 Imperial War Museum of Duxford 84 km
 Sheffield 96 km
 St. Albans 103 km
 Donna Nook 107 km
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