Two osprey chicks, known for their popular live stream from Loch Arkaig in Scotland, will be rehomed in Spain due to concerns over their father’s hunting abilities. Louis, the raptor who had been a staple on the wildlife webcam since 2017, has been bringing in fewer fish to feed the chicks in recent weeks, prompting concerns over his health or potential age-related effects. The chicks will be moved to the Valencian region as part of a reintroduction program aimed at restoring the species to Spain, where it became extinct in the 1980s. The relocation is expected to give the chicks a better chance of survival, take the pressure off Louis, and support the expansion of the species, making it more resilient in the future.
In a previous season, Louis hatched chicks with his previous mate, Alia, who did not return from migration in 2021. Louis subsequently found a new mate named Dorcha, and this year they hatched three chicks, two of which survived. Wildlife experts waited to see if Louis’ performance would improve, but concerns escalated as he continued to underperform. Although the Trust prefers not to interfere with osprey nestlings, it was decided that the chicks would be relocated to ensure their survival.
The project will collaborate with the Roy Dennis Wildlife Foundation, based in the Pego-Oliva Marsh Natural Park in Playa Santa Ana. Over five years, the program aims to introduce ospreys back into the region. Scotland has had success with similar reintroduction efforts, such as the red kite and sea eagle, by importing animals from other countries. As the chicks will now be raised in Spain, Scotland is proudly contributing to a conservation effort for the benefit of the Spanish environment.
