Two osprey chicks from Loch Arkaig in Scotland are being relocated to Spain due to concerns over their father’s declining ability to provide food.
Wildlife experts have observed that the chicks have been struggling to get enough food, as their father, Louis, has been catching fewer fish in recent weeks. There is speculation that Louis, who has gained popularity through the Woodland Trust Scotland’s wildlife webcam, may be suffering from illness or age-related issues.
To ensure the chicks’ survival, they will be moved from the forest near Lochaber to the Valencian region as part of a reintroduction program. George Anderson, a spokesperson for the Woodland Trust, stated that Louis has been “off his game” lately, bringing in significantly fewer fish than usual.
“Louis has always been a reliable provider, but his performance has declined recently,” said Anderson. “Bad weather might be part of the problem, but we suspect something more is going on with Louis.”
Typically, Louis would bring in four or five fish a day, but his recent struggles have raised concerns. The Trust usually refrains from interfering with the daily lives of the ospreys. However, Anderson emphasized that allowing the chicks to starve when relocation is an option would be needless.
“While it is our default position not to intervene, it would be needlessly dogmatic to let the chicks die when the option to relocate them is available,” Anderson added.
Louis and his previous mate, Alia, along with their 2020 chicks, became internet sensations during the COVID-19 lockdown. The chicks were named Dame Vera, Captain Tom, and Doddie, honoring singer Dame Vera Lynn, charity fundraiser Captain Sir Tom Moore, and rugby star and MND campaigner Doddie Weir, following a public ballot.
Alia did not return from migration in 2021, but Louis found a new mate, Dorcha. The pair hatched three chicks earlier this year, two of whom survived. The Trust is collaborating with the Roy Dennis Wildlife Foundation to introduce the birds to the eastern part of Spain.
The project is based in the Pego-Oliva Marsh Natural Park, near Playa Santa Ana. It aims to restore the osprey population in the region, where the species became extinct in the 1980s. The scheme is currently in its second of five years.
Anderson expressed confidence in the relocation plan, stating, “While the chicks’ survival is not guaranteed, they will have a vastly better chance in Spain. This move will also alleviate the pressure on the adult birds, allowing them to recover before migration and contributing to an important conservation initiative.”
He added, “Scotland has benefited from species reintroductions like beaver, red kite, and sea eagle, thanks to other nations gifting us their animals. It is great that Scotland is now giving this gift to Spain, and we are proud that this Arkaig pair will be part of it.”
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