Osprey chicks relocated from UK to Spain due to concerns over dad's hunting performance

In a conservation effort, six-week-old osprey chicks from Lochaber forest are being relocated to the Valencian region as part of a reintroduction project. Concerns arose over the male osprey, Louis, who has been underperforming in fishing for his family, prompting the decision to remove the two chicks from the nest. Louis, the first osprey to arrive, has been a prominent figure in the area. The chicks, named Doddie, Vera, and Captain through a public ballot, will now alleviate the feeding burden on the adult birds, allowing them to prepare for migration. Louis' recent decline in fishing productivity raised questions about his health or age, leading to the decision to move the chicks for their safety. The relocation aims to ensure the chicks' well-being and provide them with a better chance of survival. The chicks will undergo a thorough health examination before being transported to the Pego-Oliva Marsh Natural Park in Spain. The move is seen as a positive gesture of cooperation between Scotland and Spain in conservation efforts. The naming of the chicks after notable figures like Doddie Weir, Dame Vera Lynn, and Captain Sir Tom Moore adds a touch of honor to the project. Louis, who lost his previous mate Aila in 2021, has now established a new home with Dorcha. The project not only benefits the chicks but also allows the adult birds to regain their strength before migration. The trust overseeing the project expressed pride in contributing to the conservation efforts and the partnership between the two countries.