Global Bird Fair 2025 - Rutland Water Nature Reserve

The Global Birdfair, often hailed as the world's largest annual celebration of birds and a vital event for conservation, returns to its home at Rutland Water, UK, from July 11th to 13th, 2025. This prestigious event brings together bird enthusiasts, conservationists, and wildlife experts from across the globe, offering a vibrant program of talks, activities, and opportunities to support crucial conservation efforts. For 2025, the Global Birdfair's Conservation Project is "Safeguarding Ocean Species," focusing on the dire threats faced by magnificent seabirds in the southern Pacific, particularly the critically endangered Antipodean Albatross, by promoting the use of bycatch mitigation measures in longline fisheries. Beyond the excitement of the Global Birdfair itself, the event's location at Rutland Water Nature Reserve provides an unparalleled opportunity to experience a diverse array of British wildlife. This internationally renowned sanctuary, managed by the Leicestershire & Rutland Wildlife Trust in partnership with Anglian Water, is a haven for countless species throughout the year. Rutland Water is especially famous for its Ospreys, with the Rutland Osprey Project having successfully reintroduced these magnificent birds of prey to central England. Visitors in spring and summer can observe nesting ospreys from dedicated hides, often with live video links, and witness them diving to catch fish. While birds are a major draw, the reserve's varied habitats of open water, reedbeds, woodlands, and grasslands support a wide range of other wildlife. During the winter months, the lagoons become a spectacular sight, hosting tens of thousands of wildfowl, including diverse species of ducks, geese, and swans, along with grebes, divers, and elegant Great White Egrets. Rarer winter visitors like Smew and various waders also make an appearance when water levels are suitable. Throughout the year, you can spot a multitude of bird species, from common residents like Mallards, Tufted Ducks, and Moorhens to more elusive species such as Bitterns in the reedbeds and Marsh Harriers hunting over the marshes. Waders like Lapwing, Green Sandpiper, and Oystercatcher can be seen, particularly during passage. Raptors like Buzzards and Red Kites are often observed soaring overhead, and in summer, Hobbies are a regular sight. Beyond the avian wonders, Rutland Water is also home to a variety of other creatures. The reserve's diverse habitats support a rich insect life, including numerous species of butterflies and dragonflies in the warmer months. While often elusive, mammals like badgers and foxes inhabit the woodlands, and various amphibians thrive in the wetlands. With over 30 bird hides and extensive nature trails, Rutland Water Nature Reserve offers endless opportunities for wildlife enthusiasts to connect with nature. Join me for a visit to the Birdfair, where birding enthusiasts gather from around the globe! I'll be capturing the sights and sounds of the bird fair, from interesting stalls to fascinating interviews. This wildlife adventure offers a glimpse into the world of birds and conservation. Watch as they ring a Grasshopper Warbler, and interview with Phil Gould from Wildlife Dreams https://wildlife-dreams.com/ on an update to his wildlife hide and complex in Estonia Not only that, but I spend a full day around Rutland Water Nature Reserve photographing the wildlife from the numerous hides that they have around the reservoir. I don't think I've ever been anywhere that has over 30 hides along its shores. From fabulous Ospreys fishing in the lakes to Bitterns flying out of the reeds, what an amazing 3 days I had down here at Rutland Water Nature Reserve. https://buymeacoffee.com/wildlifephot... 00:00 Rutland Water Nature & Wildlife 07:35 Global Bird Fair Saturday 10:25 Wildlife Dream with Phil Gould 16:00 Canon talk cut version short 17:12 Lyndon Nature & Wildlife Reserve 21:25 Global Bird Fair Sunday 21:25 Ringing a Grasshopper Warbler