Whether they are still fluffy down-covered chicks which are hailed for their rather intimidating orange eyes, ospreys are fascinating to watch. However, life hasn’t been that pleasant for Osprey Chicks hatched in Loch Arkaig in Scotland. It emerged people had concerns that their fathers especially Louis were not providing them with enough food thus the one-of-a-kind relocation by the Woodland Trust Scotland.
Why are the Osprey Chicks Being Relocated?
Concerning the changes made to the osprey chicks, it is essential to understand that the father, Louis, has become a significantly poor hunter. The Woodland Trust Scotland has been following the nest with a live wildlife camera; in recent days, the trust says Louis has been catching substantially fewer fish to bring back to his nest. This has caused some controversy on whether the chicks may be having a hard time getting their feed to enable them grow as required.
There are two main theories behind Louis’s struggles: There are two main theories behind Louis’s struggles:
- Potential Illness: Wildlife analysts believe that Louis might be sick, and this sickness is one that prevents him from hunting efficiently.
- Age-Related Decline: Overall, there is the natural ability for ospreys, like any other living being, to lose their hunting instincts once they grow old.
They are many and knowing the exact one is challenging when the doctor has not clearly diagnosed it. Nevertheless, the insufficient food for the chicks posed a solution to the problem.
The Relocation Process
Scientifically, the translocation of young wildlife is a rather demanding exercise or operation. Woodland Trust Scotland and other conservation bodies have developed a very strategic plan on how to handle the chicks to avoid any mortality during this process. Here’s a breakdown of the anticipated steps: Here’s a breakdown of the anticipated steps:
- Nest Removal: Wildlife professionals will then have to dismantle the nest gently taking it away from the tree in Loch Arkaig.
- Chick Assessment: The chicks will be examined by a vet to ascertain that they are fit to travel from their current parents’ home to their new parents’ home.
- Transport: The chicks will travel in proper transporting crates, ensuring they have the best and most comfortable experience.
- New Home in Spain: In Spain, experts have chosen a suitable site to install a real osprey nest, where a tested foster pair of ospreys resides and successfully raises offspring.
Nevertheless, the Woodland Trust Scotland has a good background managing seabirds, especially in treating and relocating affected and injured wildlife; they say they can give the chicks the best shot at survival.
Following the Osprey Chicks’ Journey
The fate of the chicks under the nest in Loch Arkaig has become quite inspiring. Of course, the popularity of Louis, his family and the webcam raises many people’s interest in the evolution of the chicks. According to the Woodland Trust Scotland the they will issue regular updates as to the relocation process and the adaptation of the chicks to the new environment in Spain.
Here are some ways you can stay informed:
- Woodland Trust Scotland Website: Woodland Trust Scotland’s website is likely to provide the most accurate information on the relocation and condition of the chicks.
- Social Media: Check the official Woodland Trust Scotland’s page in Facebook, and their account in twitter for more frequent updates and blockages.
- Wildlife Webcams: You may not get to see the chick’s photos specifically, but this will help you peep into the lives of other families of ospreys and their chicks.
Osprey Chicks: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How long will the relocation process take?
The period when the relocation process actually transpires may actually take longer because of any unforeseen factors that may occur. Nonetheless, Woodland Trust Scotland’s plan is to do all the work as smoothly and quickly as it is possible without undue stress to the chicks.
Will Louis be able to recover?
There is nothing a physician can do about it and it is challenging to say for how long Louis will this recovery time will take. Hence, if his difficulties are attributable to an illness, then the chance of treatment may determine his improvement. However, if age is the factor, then his hunting skills many not regain the best level it was once at.
What happens to Louis after the chicks are relocated?
Wildlife experts will track him to again and again to see his physical condition as they decide what to do next.
Conclusion
The case of the Loch Arkaig osprey chicks while testifying the good efforts and successes in wildlife, it also depicts the real-life problems or issues faced by the wildlife when certain natural conditions or probable diseases affect their growing capabilities. The recent tree moving project by Woodland Trust Scotland is one of the best demonstrations of concern and willingness to protect the wildlife and most importantly the eagles. Following the chicks’ life and research organizations such as the Woodland Trust Scotland, everyone can help in preserving such defenseless creatures and their living environment.
