Wildlife Service confirms breeding success for Osprey pair

The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NWPS) confirmed last week that a pair of Ospreys had bred successfully in the Midlands.

Following the historic record of confirmed breeding by a pair in neighbouring Fermanagh in 2023, it is now the second such recording in modern times.

Ospreys were extinct as a breeding bird in Ireland over 200 years ago, but have continued to visit the island as part of their migratory pattern since their re-establishment as a breeding species in Scotland.

Two years ago, the NPWS established an Osprey Reintroduction Programme, which aimed to establish a viable population of breeding Ospreys in Ireland long term.

The first osprey chicks from a new NPWS reintroduction programme were released into the wild in August last year.

Over the next five years, the Wildlife Service plans to reintroduce 50 osprey chicks as part of the programme.

This latest confirmed breeding at a site in Leitrim shows encouraging signs of the quality of habitat in Ireland, and the positive impact of biodiversity actions introduced, experts believe.

The last decade and a half has seen the NPWS develop considerable knowledge and expertise in relation to the reintroduction of extinct species, including its white-tailed eagle programme, which has since reintroduced 170 white-tailed eagles to Ireland, some of which are now fledging chicks. This expertise, along with international best practice, an ongoing partnership with Norwegian authorities and significant community support, has informed work to reintroduce the osprey.

Ospreys are a medium-sized raptor with a distinctive brown eye-stripe that feed primarily on fish and need habitats close to rivers, lakes or coastal areas, which ensure a sufficient supply. They are known to be monogamous, faithful to both their mate and their nest site.

The majority of Ospreys in North-West Europe migrate to western Africa more than 3,000 miles away, before returning in the spring, including to Scotland and elsewhere in the UK, as the population recovers from historic persecution. The Osprey is a protected species in Ireland along with all birds of prey.

It is often mistaken in flight for a very large gull or a buzzard but has a characteristic ‘M’ shape flight profile made by bending its wings.

Similar to the white-tailed eagle reintroduction programme, the chicks are brought from Norway, and cared for at a secure location until they are ready to be released.

Last week, nine Osprey chicks were released into the wild in Waterford by the Minister of State for Nature and Heritage, Malcolm Noonan, and NPWS staff as part of the Osprey Reintroduction Programme - now in its second year. NPWS confirmed the pair in Leitrim are not related to chicks released through the programme. They are a naturalised pair and it is possible that this is a first attempt at this location, as previous efforts remain unconfirmed.

The discovery of breeding ospreys in Fermanagh 12 months ago - which produced at least two, possibly three chicks - was made by Giles Knight, Environmental Farming Scheme Advisor with Ulster Wildlife, who along with his son Eoin had been observing the breeding pair for the previous three seasons alongside his local farm visits in the area.

The newest breeding birds in the Midlands were first reported to the NPWS in May and staff have been monitoring the latest sighting for progress and welfare.

In the event of unintentional disturbance, an incubating Osprey will flush off the nest, leaving its eggs exposed to both predation and the weather. Without the insulating warmth of the parent bird, eggs can chill and fail. The chicks too are vulnerable, as they rely on continuous cover from the parent until their down develops to waterproof feathers.

“We are delighted to confirm breeding success as a single chick has successfully fledged this year,” said the NPWS.

“Managing the return of this vulnerable species is highly dependent on respecting their need to be left undisturbed during their breeding cycle and fledging stages of their young. The NPWS has been working closely with Inland Fisheries Ireland, the landowner and local angling communities, who have all been part of this success story.”

The NWPS spokesperson meanwhile acknowledged the support and cooperation of these parties, which they say have all contributed to the successful breeding of the Ospreys.

“Their support, will enable us all and future generations to enjoy the return of these magnificent birds to Ireland.”