Leitrim welcomes return of ospreys with breeding success

In a significant boost for local wildlife, the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) has confirmed the successful breeding of a pair of Ospreys in County Leitrim. This milestone represents the second instance of confirmed Osprey breeding on the island of Ireland in modern times.

According to a recent press release from the NPWS, the achievement follows a historic record set in August 2023 when a breeding pair of Ospreys was discovered in County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland. This sighting was the first confirmed instance of naturally established Osprey breeding in Ireland in over two hundred years, following their extinction as a breeding species more than two centuries ago.

Ospreys, which have been visiting Ireland as part of their migratory pattern since their re-establishment as a breeding species in Scotland, have been a focus of the NPWS’s Osprey Reintroduction Programme. Launched two years ago, this initiative aims to build a sustainable breeding population of Ospreys in Ireland. The recent successful breeding in Leitrim is a promising indicator of the quality of local habitats and the positive impact of conservation efforts.

The press release notes that the Osprey pair in Leitrim was first reported to the NPWS in May. Since then, their progress has been closely monitored. Ospreys are highly sensitive to disturbances that can endanger their eggs and chicks. An incubating Osprey may leave the nest if disturbed, risking exposure of the eggs to predation and adverse weather conditions. Despite these challenges, the NPWS is pleased to confirm that a single chick successfully fledged this year.

Conserving this vulnerable species requires minimizing disturbances during their breeding and fledging periods. The NPWS has worked collaboratively with Inland Fisheries Ireland, local landowners, and angling communities to ensure the success of this breeding event.

Additionally, the NPWS recently released nine Osprey chicks into the wild in Waterford as part of the ongoing Osprey Reintroduction Programme. The Leitrim pair is not related to these released chicks; they are a naturalized pair and may be attempting to breed in this location for the first time, as previous efforts have not been confirmed.

Ospreys are medium-sized raptors with distinctive brown eye-stripes, primarily feeding on fish and requiring habitats near rivers, lakes, or coastal areas. They are known for their monogamous nature, remaining faithful to their mate and nest site. Most Ospreys in North-West Europe migrate to western Africa for the winter before returning to their breeding grounds in the spring.

The NPWS extends its gratitude to the landowners, Inland Fisheries Ireland, and local communities for their essential support in this conservation success. Their contributions help ensure that future generations will continue to enjoy the return of these magnificent birds to Ireland.

For more details on the Osprey Reintroduction Programme and ongoing conservation efforts, please refer to the NPWS press release and visit their website.