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• Fishermen in Siaya saved a rare Osprey from Russia that became entangled in a fishing net near the shores of Lake Victoria.
• The bird that travels seasonally, marked for global studies, was tired but not harmed following its extensive trip from Europe and Asia.
• KWS personnel captured the bird and transported it to the Raptor Rehabilitation Center at Soysambu Conservancy for care and observation.

Didacus Malowa, a reporter for .co.ke, has more than three years of expertise in reporting on politics and contemporary issues in Kenya.

Inhabitants of Ugingo Village in Siaya county observed a unique and impressive event when fishermen saved an Osprey.

A migratory bird from Russia, which became caught in a fishing net on the morning of Friday, November 7.

What occurred to the Osprey in Lake Victoria?

The bird, a strong predator that feeds on fish and is recognized for its long journeys across Europe, Asia, and Africa, was discovered stuck near the banks of Lake Victoria.

Its Russian identification tag, attached to its left leg, verified it as part of a global study aimed at monitoring the migration of species across different countries.

As stated by village elder Eric Omuok, local fishermen noticed the struggling bird while retrieving their early morning catch.

They succeeded in releasing it from the net and brought it to the house of a local resident, Joanes Oraro, located in Ugingo Village, Usigu Sub-location, Central Yimbo Location.

“A bird of prey that feeds on fish, equipped with a Russian identification tag on its left leg, had these tags and transmitters attached by bird experts to collect data for research and conservation purposes, became caught in a fishing net,” stated KWS.

The event soon attracted the interest of inquisitive locals and nature lovers, some of whom had never encountered the uncommon bird of prey previously.

After hearing about the bird that was stuck, the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) team in Siaya, headed by Deputy County Warden Byatt Shikanga, quickly went to the location.

The group moved quickly to protect the Osprey and check its state. It looked tired following the extended migration and the fight in the net, but it had not suffered major injuries.

What did KWS comment on the event?

KWS representatives stated that the Osprey belongs to the Palaearctic population, which travels thousands of kilometers from Europe and Russia to sub-Saharan Africa annually in pursuit of milder weather and food sources.

The bird that was saved was given to veterinary professionals for advanced treatment. Supervised by Dr Isaac Lekolool, head of the KWS Veterinary Department, and Dr Simon Thomsett, a prominent raptor expert from the Kenya Bird of Prey Trust.

It was securely taken to the Raptor Rehabilitation Centre located at Soysambu Conservancy in Nakuru county.

“The Osprey was moved to the Raptor Centre located in Soysambu Conservancy, where it will receive thorough medical checks, observation, and recovery treatment. The bird is expected to be set free back into nature to carry on its life,” KWS mentioned.

Thomsett, who has dedicated many years to the recovery of injured raptors, commended the prompt action taken by the fishermen and the people of Siaya.

The Kenya Wildlife Service praised the community for its alertness and collaboration, calling the rescue an encouraging model of local conservation.

The agency also recognized its continued collaboration with the National Museums of Kenya (NMK) and the Kenya Bird of Prey Trust (KBPT), groups that support bird monitoring and research throughout the nation.

“This extraordinary guest acts as a striking reminder of the amazing travels that migratory birds make, and highlights the worldwide bonds that connect us through nature,” KWS said.