TRANSLOCATION

Aim

The aim of the translocation was to restore the Osprey as a breeding species in England and to extend the species' breeding range in the United Kingdom in order to enhance its chances of survival.

Please click below for full details

Background - why translocate Ospreys?

Collection of the young birds from Scotland.

Pre-release stage - first weeks at Rutland Water.

First flights - monitoring by radio and telescope.

Results so far - birds returning and breeding.

The first phase

Between 1996 and 2001, 64 young Ospreys were translocated.

A further translocation

In 2005, permission was granted to bring more chicks from Scotland to England in order to redress the gender imbalance among the birds that had returned from the first phase. More details are here.

Summary of methods used

  • A healthy chick was taken under licence from a brood of young in the highlands of Scotland.

  • The chicks were moved swiftly to special pens at Rutland Water where they were held in groups of three until they are ready to fly.

  • Coloured rings and radio transmitters were fitted to the birds to enable them to be monitored subsequently.

  • Specialist veterinary care and DNA blood-sampling was carried out.

  • After release, the juvenile Ospreys continued to feed from platforms near the release pens.

  • Artificial perches and platforms were provided to facilitate first flights.

  • Pre-migration flights were closely monitored.

  • From 1999 to 2001, satellite tracking allowed the migration routes of some of the young to be monitored.

  • Artificial nesting platforms are provided to encourage returning birds to breed in the vicinity.

©2008 Rutland Osprey Project.
Photographs and images by members of the Project Team unless otherwise stated.
The project is a partnership between Anglian Water and the Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust,
with funding from Augean Plc through the Landfill Tax Credit Scheme.
The project is based at Rutland Water Nature Reserve.