Cheshire Wildlife Trust have confirmed that a rare osprey has been seen several times hunting on the Mersey over the last few days for fish and again at nearby Norton Marsh nature reserve, close to Runcorn.

The sighting is very unusual as osprey pairs are currently nesting raising chicks, and the closest confirmed nests are in Wales and the Midlands. It is thought that the bird may be a young adult who has migrated from Africa but whom had been unsuccessful in finding a mate this season.

The last recorded example of an osprey in this area of the country was back in 2006, when again a single bird was seen in the area for several weeks over the summer period. It is clearly something special to watch as normally birdwatchers have to travel hundreds of miles to see one. So why not put on your Craghoppers Trousers this weekend plus the rest of your outdoor kit and grab the chance to see this bird in action.

After all, ospreys were extinct in Britain between 1916 and 1954, returning to the Scottish Highlands during the late 1950s and 1960s. Even today the majority of breeding pairs, between 250 and 300, are still found north of the border so this is a rare opportunity. Don’t leave it too long as they begin their migration back to Senegal in Africa in August and September.

So head down to Norton Marsh, near Moore in Cheshire this weekend and don’t forget to take your camera and see if you can get your own special picture of this rare visitor.