CONSERVATIONISTS have expressed “sadness” after a an osprey raised in Scotland died after being electrocuted by a faulty power line while wintering in Spain.
Ringed as Blue JH3 but nicknamed Pean, the bird fledged from a nest in Arkaig, Lochaber, in the Highlands in 2017. It was spotted by Spanish birdwatchers in October last year between Alicante and Valencia.
Ospreys normally migrate to west Africa but frequently appear in Portugal as well as Spain.
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Itziar Colodro, of the Magic and Nature Birdwatching Company, said: “I am very affected by the news. I was tracking JH3 in the Marjal de Pego-Oliva Natural Park.
“JH3 has given us the best photographs ever taken before in our area. He was a crack fisherman. We will miss him so much.”
Blue JH3 was killed on December 28, but Scottish osprey enthusiasts only recently became aware of his death via social media. A seasonal live webcam at Loch Arkaig goes back online in March through the Woodland Trust Scotland.
George Anderson, of the trust, said: “There is a great deal of sadness at the news of this bird’s death in Spain. It was from the neighbouring nest to our camera stream.
“Through the nest camera, the ospreys of Loch Arkaig have gained followers from literally the other side of the loch to the other side of the world.
“Following these birds can be a rollercoaster for the emotions. They face a catalogue of dangers at every stage of their fascinating nomadic lives. It’s heartening to know there are folks in Spain as well as the UK fighting their cause.”
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