Wildlife
adventure  |
The United Kingdom's waterways offer great opportunities for wildlife watching.
Why not take a few tips from the Nature's Calendar team as we get
closer to wildlife. Why not travel to find exciting new wildlife
locations! | Ospreys
in flight - a magnificent sight.
Photo c/o PA Images |
Two
nature activities to keep you busy during the spring months:
*
Bat watching in Northern Ireland
* Osprey spotting in Rutland
Bat
watching The Owenkillew river near Gortin in
Northern Ireland is home to Daubenton's Bats - also known as Water Bats. The
best time to watch for these nocturnal creatures is at night. These winged
creatures sometimes roost in the cracks under bridges so look over one of the
river's bridges with torches around dusk. Watch for the bats hunting on
the river, flying ten centimetres above surface grabbing insects. A good
idea is to use a special bat detector so you can hear the bats chattering and
getting ready to leave their roost. The bats usually wait for the light
levels to drop before they come out of their roost and start to hunt. One
word of warning - watch the bats from a safe distance but don't touch them - a
special licence is required to catch and handle bats.
Osprey
spotting  Shooting,
habitat loss and the Victorian's obsession with collecting specimens and eggs
nearly drove the Osprey to extinction before the early 20th Century. But
successful conservation projects have resulted in a steady rise in numbers. One
of the best places to see Ospreys at relative close quarters is Rutland Water
in the East Midlands. Ospreys live on almost exclusively a diet of fish
so look out for them hovering over Rutland Water looking for their next meal. The
birds catch the fish close to the surface of the water by plunge-diving or crashing
into the water feet first. The Ospreys are easily recognised by their large
wingspan, white head, pale underparts and dark brown upper parts.  Also
look up to see the birds hovering high above the water.
Alternatively take
the water - a good place to see them is from the Rutland Belle river cruise. | 
