A Migratory Osprey’s Journey from Russia to Kenya
A remarkable event unfolded in Ugingo village, Siaya County, when a migratory Osprey was rescued and taken under the care of the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS). This particular bird, believed to have journeyed all the way from Russia, has captured the attention of both locals and conservationists alike.
The long-distance migratory bird, known for its exceptional fishing skills, was found entangled in a fishing net. The incident occurred on Friday morning, November 7, 2025, in Ugingo village, Usigu Sub-location, Central Yimbo location. Its arrival surprised the residents, who were unaware of the significance of their unexpected visitor.
The Osprey was distinguished by a Russian identification tag attached to its left leg. This tag is used by ornithologists to track migratory patterns and collect vital research data. Local fishermen, who safely extracted the bird from the net, brought it to the home of Mr. Joanes Oraro in Ugingo Village. The event quickly drew the attention of the community, with photos of the bird being shared online.
According to Eric Omuok, an elder from Ugingo village, the arrival of the majestic bird caused excitement among residents. They gathered to witness the unusual visitor from far-off lands. To ensure the bird’s safety, the KWS team from the county, led by Deputy County Warden Byatt Shikanga, visited the home and secured the area.
The exhausted Osprey, which had traveled thousands of kilometers from the Palaearctic region, was placed under close supervision to stabilize its condition before being transported to a rehabilitation facility. It was later transferred to the Raptor Centre at Soysambu Conservancy, where it will undergo comprehensive medical examinations, continuous monitoring, and rehabilitation. The goal is to release it back into the wild to resume its migratory journey.
Isaac Lekolool, head of the KWS Veterinary Department, explained that migratory birds such as the Osprey face numerous challenges during their transcontinental travels. These include exhaustion, inclement weather, and human-related hazards such as fishing nets and power lines. “The bird is currently stable and receiving attentive care,” he said. “With proper rehabilitation, we anticipate it will recover fully and continue its remarkable journey across continents.”
KWS officials also praised the residents of Ugingo village for their vigilance and swift action. They emphasized the critical role that communities play in wildlife conservation in Kenya. The agency also recognized the ongoing support and partnership of experts from the National Museums of Kenya (NMK) and the Kenya Bird of Prey Trust (KBPT), highlighting the importance of collaboration between government agencies, conservation organizations, and local communities in protecting Kenya’s rich biodiversity.
The Osprey, scientifically known as Pandion haliaetus, is a fish-eating raptor renowned for its long migratory routes. These routes stretch thousands of kilometers between breeding grounds in northern Europe and Russia, and wintering habitats in Africa and Asia.
In addition to celebrating this rescue, KWS used the opportunity to urge the public to continue reporting sightings of injured or distressed wild animals. “Reports can be made via the toll-free number 0800 597 000, WhatsApp 0726 610509, or at the nearest KWS station,” KWS said.