"Ospreytitis"
I have been suffering for quite a while now, so this morning I finally gave in and went to see the local doctor here in Machynlleth.
It was a little embarrassing. She asked me to explain the symptoms I have been experiencing. "I keep seeing large birds" I told her, "particularly near water, and I think they are all ospreys. I’ve even taken photos of them.”
"Don't ospreys migrate in the winter to somewhere warmer?" she asked. Of course, I knew she was right but I'm still convinced the birds I’ve seen are ospreys.
Osprey spotted on the banks of the Dyfi over the weekend looking for fish, February 18th
"I think I know what's wrong with you" the doctor said. "Ospreytitis!"
Apparently it affects certain individuals around this time of year. Large birds, anything from a crow upwards, can turn into ospreys, especially if glimpsed only briefly ……
Pale chested osprey eating a fish near the mouth of the estuary, February 19th
Osprey spotted fishing in the Dyfi River last week, February 15th
“Your symptoms are likely to get worse during the coming weeks” she explained. “The only remedy is complete withdrawal from bird watching and photography for several weeks. It's very tough, we doctors call it 'Cold Osprey'. From late March through to May, when the real ospreys return to the UK, normal bird ID skills will return and you'll feel a lot better."
What a relief - I hope she's right!
Love it!!! Getting so excited and counting the days.
Ospreytitis is a pervasive affliction, not alleviated even on a Sunday in church when you hear the vicar say 'Let Osprey'........!
never mind you were able to photograph some really rare birds, a pale chested osprey!!! amazing.
Brilliant Ems, love it.
We all know eggsactly how you feel, such a horrible illness to be inflicted with, but as your doctor said you'll soon feel a lot better. Love the pics of the ospreys too, they're great xx
Ospreytitus has spread to Mawddach Estuary where we are hoping for new residents this spring
Brilliant, just love your sense of humour! There is an Ospreytitis epidemic at this time every year up here in Scotland and in particular it is rife at ladyoftheloch.co.uk One only hopes everyone feels better soon xx
Brilliant Ems!! Fantastic pics of some extremely rare Ospreys indeed!!
I can vouch for Fiona's comments above, we attend the same Osprey clinic at ladyoftheloch.co.uk for our annual treatment!!! It's good to know that there are fellow "sufferers" of this very addictive disease that we may share with!! We have a mantra for recently "outed" sufferers (new members) perhaps it would work for your own members, just say out loud (your own name of course!) "my name is Nick, and I'm an Ospreyholic!!!"
Can't wait for the end of March!!
I have experienced Pandionitis and Osprey fever and now a diagnosed ospreyholic, dreading withdrawl
Bore Da Emyr. I'm with Susan, Nick and Fiona on this one as I attend the same Ospreyholics Clinic and it gets worse each year. I had a small Osprey posing as a Robin on my garden bird table just this morning!
Can wait to log-on to your new cams!
"My name's Shirley and I'm an Ospreyholic!!!"
xx
I am also with Fiona, Nick, Susan and Shirley. I love your new website and cant wait for the season to begin again. So looking forward to the new web cams. I love your sense of humour here. I have seen so many Ospreys recently but the Doctor told me they were seagulls, did not believe her and that I am also an Ospreyholic. xxx
Serious outbreak in Rutland too! Will be eased by winter getogether next week with video & pics from Gambia trip. 29 days and counting to 03's arrival (our senior breeding male)
Oh so funny, and yes, we are all waiting for the return around the country of the ospreys - not long now. Hope to visit Dyfi in May.
Tuck yourself up warm and watch repeated films of Ospreys on Springwatch, Autumnwatch, Birds Britannia etcetera, etcetera. Oh and a little hot toddy to warm your cockles :)
I to can't wait for the return of the ospreys,it's all i talk about at work and to my friends,just like everybody else on here my name is wendy and i'm an ospreyholic.
i whipped round in WHSmith shouting Osprey? And it was, a gorgeous pic on the front of an RSPB greeting card, so i bought it and sent it myself :-)
Ha ha, good on you Jo, that's exactly what I would do!
Great keeping up with all that,s going on. Looking forward to seeing everyone on the team in a couple of weeks.Marj.
Brilliant Jo, love it. xx
E.N.S is another nasty illness we have. Empty Nest Syndrome
Hiya Shirley and Susan, im missing the ospreys soo much, at least we have our bonkersness to keep us going till they come home for the summer :-) xxx
I'm afraid my other half is suffering too. On Sunday he was convinced he saw one flying down the Dyfi and when he heard that the Gaslyn pair were back he was convinced that he must have seen one of them.
Brilliant! ROTFL!!!
Jenni