Precious osprey chicks saved from Scottish nest and flown to Spain

Precious osprey chicks saved from Scottish nest and flown to Spain

Conservationists say the relocation project is the only option for the chicks as the father fails to feed them enough fish to survive.

Published: July 8, 2024 at 12:30 pm

Two osprey chicks have been removed from their nest in Scotland after the adult male failed to provide enough fish for them and the female.

The Woodland Trust Scotland, who manage the site at Loch Arkaig, would usually allow nature to take its course, but the charity decided to intervene this time. 

Louis the osprey fishing at Loch Arkaig earlier in the summer
Louis the osprey fishing at Loch Arkaig earlier in the summer. Credit: WTML

“We became aware that there was an opportunity for the chicks to go into a translocation programme reintroducing ospreys to the Valencia region in Spain,” says George Anderson, a spokesperson from Woodland Trust Scotland.

“It will contribute to an excellent conservation initiative expanding the range of the species to make it more resilient in the future.”

Loch Arkaig osprey webcam: a gale nearly blows the two chicks out of the nest. Credit: Woodland Trust Scotland

Although there is no guarantee that the chicks will survive, their chances are greater in this reintroduction project than being left on the nest where they would likely die. 

The male osprey Louis and his mate Dorcha hatched three chicks this week, and two have survived to date. Male ospreys bring back fish for the whole family during the breeding season. The uncommon decision for the charity to step in came after Louis was observed bringing back just one or no fish each day to the nest. 

In previous years at this time of year, he has been an excellent provider and normally brings back four or five fish each day – even setting a record of nine fish in one day. The poor weather this year may be a factor in Louis’ reduced performance, and other osprey nests are having a poor year.

“But we think there is something not right about Louis. It could be his age, or he might be ill. We don’t know,” adds Anderson. 

Now you see it, now you don't. Credit: Woodland Trust Scotland

The two chicks were given to the Roy Dennis Wildlife Foundation, who are involved with the reintroduction project and are experts in translocating raptors. 

Louis has successfully raised chicks before. He has been known to nature lovers around the UK – and the world – since his first appearance on the Woodland Trust Scotland’s live nest camera at Loch Arkaig Pine Forest in 2017, mating with a female called Alia until 2020. When she failed to return in 2021, he mated with a new female called Dorcha at a new nest. 

Osprey chick
As Louis' fish count plummets, conservationists felt relocation was the only way to save the chicks. Credit: WTML

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