KWS experts hold the Osprey after being captured in Siaya/KWS
The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has rescued and taken over the care of a migratory Osprey believed to have travelled all the way from Russia to Kenya.
The long-distance migratory bird, a skilled fish-eating raptor, was captured by local fishermen in Siaya County.
According to KWS, the bird touched down in Ugingo village, Usigu Sub-location, Central Yimbo location, on Friday morning, November 7, 2025, to the surprise of residents.
The bird, distinguished by a Russian identification tag attached to its left leg, a device used by ornithologists to track migratory patterns and collect vital research data, had become entangled in a fishing net.
"The fishermen safely extracted the bird from the net and brought it to the home of Mr Joanes Oraro in Ugingo Village...This quickly drew the attention of the community," KWS said.
Photos posted online Friday captured residents holding the bird as they posed for pictures.
According to Ugingo village elder Eric Omuok, who reported the matter, the arrival of the majestic bird caused excitement among residents, who gathered to witness the unusual visitor from far-off lands.
To ensure its safety, the KWS team from the county, led by Deputy County Warden Byatt Shikanga, visited the home and secured it.
The exhausted Osprey, which had journeyed thousands of kilometres from the Palaearctic region, was placed under close supervision to stabilise its condition before being transported to a rehabilitation facility.
The bird was later transferred to the Raptor Centre at Soysambu Conservancy, under the guidance of KWS Veterinary Department head Isaac Lekolool and leading raptor specialist Simon Thomsett.
At the Centre, KWS said the Osprey will undergo comprehensive medical examinations, continuous monitoring, and rehabilitation, with the goal of eventually releasing it back into the wild to resume its migratory journey.
Lekolool explained that migratory birds such as the Osprey face numerous challenges during their transcontinental travels, including 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 lauded the residents of Ugingo village for their vigilance and swift action, emphasising the critical role that communities play in wildlife conservation in Kenya.
The agency also recognised 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 organisations, 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 that stretch thousands of kilometres between breeding grounds in northern Europe and Russia, and wintering habitats in Africa and Asia.
The agency also used the opportunity to urge the public to continue reporting sightings of injured or distressed wild animals to KWS for immediate intervention.
"Reports can be made via the toll-free number 0800 597 000, WhatsApp 0726 610509, or at the nearest KWS station," KWS said.
