Scottish SPCA

Osprey release first for Society

The Scottish SPCA has, for the first time, released an osprey back into the wild after successfully rehabilitating the injured bird back to full health.

We were called to rescue the osprey after it was found tangled in fishing netting on Loch Tay.

It was then transported by animal ambulance to our Wildlife Rescue Centre in Fife where it received treatment and care prior to its release back on the banks of Loch Tay last Friday (20 August).

The Osprey is a summer visitor to Scotland from Africa and this release came just in time for the bird to begin its long migration south for the winter.

Wildlife Rescue Centre Manager Colin Seddon said, "When the osprey first arrived it had sustained a wound to its right wing with a large amount of bruising.

"We treated the bird with painkillers and antibiotics and it was put on aviary rest with minimum disturbance to facilitate its recovery.

"We medicated the bird through its food, providing large quantities of trout which it ate readily, meaning we didn't have to catch it daily to provide treatment.

"This approach afforded the bird a speedy recovery and we were delighted to be able to release it back to the wild and just in time for its journey south.

"I believe this is the first time our Wildlife Rescue Centre has been successful in rehabilitating and releasing an osprey back into the wild so we were very pleased to have achieved such a good result.

"Sadly many wild birds and mammals succumb to fishing net injuries. Thankfully though, this impressive bird was discovered quickly and we were able to give it the help it needed."

Ospreys were heavily persecuted for their eggs and skins in the 19th and early 20th centuries and came close to extinction as a breeding bird. However, conservation efforts have now established several breeding pairs in Scotland. They are offered the highest level of legal protection under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.

Anyone wishing to report an injured or distressed animal should call our Animal Helpline on 03000 999 999.

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