Rutland Water Challenge 2025

📷 Log 10 species

🏆 Complete the challenge and earn your digital finisher’s badge

Whether you're a seasoned birdwatcher or first-time explorer, the Leicestershire & Rutland Wildlife Trusts challenge you to spot and connect with at least 10 bird species around Rutland Water this year.

Home to the iconic Rutland Ospreys and containing one of the largest wildfowl sanctuaries in all of the UK, Rutland Water Nature Reserve is a birder’s dream and the perfect venue to help you grow your life lists.

So head out and explore! Wildfowl swim in the bay in spring, and when the water levels fall in late summer, the area is taken over by wading birds feeding on the exposed mud. Keep your eyes peeled for the flash of a kingfisher and the majestic ospreys diving for fish.

Head out, heads up and see how many different species you can photograph! This challenge is for tickable species only. You can read more about tickable species here.

This challenge is for anyone with a Birda account.

This challenge starts and ends based on the GMT time zone. All individual species logged within the Rutland Water Nature Reserve will count towards this challenge and will be included in any leaderboard placement. All sightings must be logged before midnight on the day the challenge ends.

Be honest with yourself and other birders, but above all, respectful of them and any other outdoor users, everywhere – especially online. If you didn’t see it (or hear it), please don’t put it on Birda.