However, sadly, this story doesn’t have happy ending. We received news that the leg rings of LS6 had been found on the outskirts of a village, but other than we had no more info. Well, with a bit of digging and calling on international connections, our project partners the Roy Dennis Wildlife Foundation have been able to find out more and have also been sent some (sad) photos. The photos show a carcass, which is said to be LS6 who had been found by locals several weeks ago. There are no obvious signs of damage on the carcass, but there is an odd twist in this ‘tail’.

LS6 – Paul Hill

No sooner had we received news of LS6’s death, when Tim Mackrill was suddenly sent an image of LS6 alive! As it transpires the photo was taken about two weeks prior and only 2km from where he was finally found. What’s interesting is that if you look at the photo of LS6 alive, he seems to be missing the whole of his tail. Had he had a run in with a crocodile? (quite frequent in Africa apparently)! And did the lack of balance when hunting make him a less efficient hunter? Who knows, but what we do know is that sadly we’re one chick down (that we know of). This was always to be expected as there is a high mortality rate for Ospreys on their first migration south. Further information can be found here.

But don’t be too down heartened. We’re now in early April and migrant Osprey are being seen back in Poole Harbour again. These aren’t birds related to our project as they won’t be back until next spring, rather they’re adult birds making their way back to breeding grounds further north. So with spring now in the air, why not head out to somewhere like Arne, Middlebere or the Rockely view point to try and see if you can see one of these amazing birds before they head off north.