Re-introduction of Ospreys to the Valencia Region - Valencia Birding

Absolute dedication to one of Europe´s most magnificent raptors : The re-introduction of Ospreys to the Valencia Region

I was recently very kindly invited to spend the evening with Itzy Colodro Sainz and María José García Roselló of the organisation Magic&Nature to see up close the work they are doing on a project to re-introduce Ospreys to the wetlands of the Valencia Region.

This project is supported by local government, specifically Conselleria de Medio Ambiente CV and is backed scientifically by Fundación Migres. At a local level, it is also supported by the Town Halls of Pego, Oliva, Denia and Jávea and is collaborated in by Magic&Nature and Acció Ecologista Agró.

Valencia Birding — Photo by Jaume Caselles

Ospreys are often seen on passage in our region, especially during post breeding migration when they stop to rest and feed at many of the coastal wetlands that make the Valencia area so bird-rich. However, as a breeding species, they became extinct in the Valencian Community in the 1980´s, their final nesting site being in Alicante Province.

They managed to cling on to breeding territories in the Balearic Islands and the Canary Islands, but due to many and varied factors, were wiped out as a breeding bird across the mainland. Let´s begin by taking a look at these factors. They include :

Habitat loss due to human activity.
Shooting and other direct human persecution.
Electrocution and / or collision with power lines.
Poisoning by heavy metals and pesticides.
Drying out of some inland lagoons.

I used the phrase “many and varied” to describe these factors, but when we look a little closer, they aren´t at all. They largely boil down to one word : MAN. Historically, their woes were added to by another human invention, that of religion. During the Catholic abstinence from eating of meat during Lent and Easter, many people turned to fishing as a form of gathering food during this period. Streams and rivers were dammed to increase fish concentrations, making fishing much easier. This, of course, attracted Ospreys. They were seen as a threat, so in many cases were killed, right at the time that coincided with their breeding season. Parent birds were directly exterminated whilst their chicks starved to death on the nests.

These stories are all too common and similar events can be applied to many accounts of animal extinction or suffering. However, it´s only one side of the coin. What I´d like to focus on now is the other side…

Thanks to a reintroduction program by Fundación Migres that started in 2004 in Andalucia in Southern Spain, that region now has a stable population of 19 breeding pairs of Ospreys. Similar work was then extended to the Basque Country of Spain and subsequently to the Valencian Community in 2017 which was when Itzy Colodro Sainz became involved, working with the local government organisations as previously mentioned.

The procedure known as “hacking” is being used. This involves the taking of chicks from carefully selected stable populations, which are then raised in a state of “semi freedom” during which time they are placed on and fed at artificial nests. After around a month, the birds are able to fly so are released but are strategically fed until such time as they have mastered the art of catching fish. Once they are able to fly, they become familiar with their surroundings, the hope (supported by scientific evidence) being that they will return to breed once they reach sexual maturity.

When Itzy first invited me to witness the work that´s going on, the thing that I expected to have the biggest impact upon me was of course these magnificent birds. Clearly, it did, no-one can fail to be astonished by close views of any bird of prey. You´ll recall I previously alluded to the phrase “the other side of the coin”. Well, in this case, that other side of the coin is the absolute dedication that I witnessed whilst on site, and that tireless care and devotion is what struck me in a profound manner.

This year´s project began with three chicks :

Bullent – A male from Cadiz.

Bruc – A male from the Balearic Islands.

Odiel – A female from Huelva.

All three birds are fitted with GPS and radio devices, allowing them to be tracked by the people who are responsible for the project. Sadly, Bullent didn´t stay around for long enough to learn how to fish for himself. He headed south, flying and flying until he reached Granada, where tragically, he died of starvation.

Itzíar Colodro Sainz, project foreperson, holding Odiel in readiness for her being fitted with radio transmitters and GPS-GSM devices.

As these birds have had no natural parents with them, the team of dedicated professionals who are running the project have complete responsibility. This sounds like a big task, but believe me, to see it in motion is astonishing. It´s easy to presume that once a bird flies, it can move around with ease. The truth is much more akin to watching a toddler take his or her first steps. One example of many hazards for the young birds is getting caught and trapped in reed beds. So, Itzy, María José and their team are constantly monitoring the birds´ whereabouts, with a devotion that I won´t hesitate to describe as something approaching maternal. Wading into lagoons and canals and fighting through dense vegetation to rescue a trapped bird is not uncommon. Add to this the constant tracking, detailed observation, care and initial feeding and one can begin to form an impression of the work involved. Factor in the extremely long days, 35-degree heat, humidity and mosquitos of the wetland environment and then you´ll appreciate why I was touched by the absolute dedication of these incredible individuals.

At the time of writing, Odiel remains on site, exploring the area, improving her flying skills and indeed catching fish for herself. Bruc, having successfully learnt how to fish a while ago, began his migration towards Africa on 8th September, so the team are anxiously monitoring his GPS feedback. We wish him every success on what is always a perilous voyage.

Of course, the future for Ospreys in our region is uncertain, but without this project, they would be no hope, let alone a future. The hope for next year is to bring in yet more chicks to build upon the work already done. Let´s hope for the best for these incredible birds. Let´s hope for their safe passage and safe return. And when we next watch in awe as an Osprey plucks a fish from a lake, or as we proudly photograph this incredible moment, let´s also spare a thought for the amazing work, love and devotion shown by people like Itzy, María José and their team, as well as that of many others around the globe who fight for the survival of these majestic creatures.