Like red kites and sea eagles, ospreys became extinct in Scotland in the early twentieth century. Their return and recolonisation was unprompted by humans.
Like two other large predatory birds, the red kite and the sea eagle, the osprey has had a chequered history in the United Kingdom. Having thrived in the woodlands for centuries, it fell foul of the development of agricultural and game-shooting industries during the nineteenth century and was hunted to extinction. Whereas the other two species were reintroduced by humans, the ospreys’ re-colonisation was natural –even though help was subsequently required.
Some Facts About Ospreys
The osprey is among the most widely-ranging birds of prey on the globe: its four subspecies are found across every continent except Antarctica. A migrant, the European osprey (Pandion haliaetus) breeds in the northern hemisphere (Europe, Asia and North Africa) and winters in South Africa, India and south-east Asia. In Britain it is a summer visitor only, from late March though until September.
With a length of about 65 cm and a wingspan of up to 1.8 metres, the osprey is about the same size as a red kite. The plumage is considerably different, however: brown on top but with narrow wings and black and white underside, the osprey is possibly more likely to be mistaken for a large gull than another bird of prey when in flight.
Like gulls, the osprey is a fish-eater and its body displays appropriate adaptations. Its talons are shaped to make it easy to carry off a fish and its plumage is thick and oily (though not waterproof – a bird which takes too large a fish can become waterlogged and, if unlucky, may even drown). The birds are known for their spectacular dives, snatching fish from up to a metre’s depth.
Diet consists almost exclusively of fish, both sea and fresh water, although ospreys will occasionally take small birds, mammals or amphibians. Bearing this in mind, the obvious prerequisite for habitat is water, with ample supplies of fish. Ospreys nest in tall trees, preferring pines, but they will settle for the ground, artificial nests or even electricity pylons. Nests are large and made of twigs, reused annually and extended to reach a substantial size.
Extinction and Re-Colonisation of Ospreys in the UK
It was the development of the nineteenth century sporting estates which led to the dramatic decline of the osprey population in the UK. Like the sea eagle and the red kite the osprey was considered a threat and shot; but it was also a trophy to be stuffed and a target for egg-collectors. Though it had previously bred freely, the osprey was thought to be extinct as a breeding species in Scotland by 1917.
Individual birds continued to be seen in Scotland, and in the 1950s, there were the first attempts by these birds at nest-building and breeding. Initially the nest site was kept secret, though the birds remained a target for egg collectors and the nest was robbed in three of the first four years. In 1959 it was revealed to be at Loch Garten and the RSPB opened a hide and encouraged the public to visit.
With public vigilance (14,000 people visited in the first season) and round the clock protection the ospreys bred successfully, returning year after year. Others followed. In 1976 there were 14 nesting pairs in Scotland; by 1991 the number had risen to 76 and latest RSPB figures indicate a current figure of 148 breeding pairs. Ospreys have also spread to both England and Wales, where they had been extinct for even longer.
Ospreys in the UK: Threats and Conservation
At present ospreys are thriving in Scotland; but despite this they remain on the UK’s amber list of threatened birds – a legacy of the species’ long term decline and its continued relative rarity. The birds receive the highest protection under the Wildlife and Countryside Act, making it illegal to kill or injure them, or to disturb them during the breeding season.
As fish eaters, ospreys are less vulnerable than other large birds of prey to illegal poisoning or shooting (some large raptors are perceived as threats to livestock and game birds). They remain subject to certain risks, including:
Given their successful re-colonisation, there’s relatively little need for immediate conservation activity. The RSPB does, however, highlight key measures which can be taken to strengthen the birds’ position. These include:
Where to See Ospreys in Scotland
At Loch Garten, where the ospreys first nested on their return, the RSPB has a nature reserve and a bird hide, together with a visitor centre and nature walks. The SWT also runs a reserve, at Loch of the Lowes in Perthshire, where ospreys can regularly be seen. Elsewhere in Scotland there are visitor centres and facilities at Clatteringshaws Loch in Galloway; Glentress in Peeblesshire; and David Marshall Lodge near Aberfoyle.
In addition to these, the Forestry Commission publishes a listing of places where ospreys can be seen. These include various locations in Glen Affric; Knapdale Forest in Argyll; and West Loch Awe. These locations generally have no formal visitor facilities, although there are car parks and usually toilet facilities.
