Rare migratory bird lands in Kenya from Finland

A rare migratory bird known as Osprey spotted in Bondo, Siaya County, KWS says it flew over 6,900 kilometres from Finland.

A rare migratory bird known as Osprey has flown to Kenya, covering a distance of 6,948 kilometres to land in Usalo village, West Yimbo Location in Siaya County.

The bird was spotted on January 20 by a resident, Walter Oloo, before reporting to the Kenya Wildlife Services (KWS) Siaya County team.

The bird was reportedly caught in a fishing net and seems to have struggled to release itself.

According to KWS Research Director, Dr. Patrick Omondi, the bird had some bruises on the legs but appeared healthy, though it has lost some weight, and was dehydrated.

"We delivered the bird to the KWS Veterinary Department on Thursday. It will be stabilised by administering IV fluids and provided proper diet, then monitored for a few days before being released back to the wild," said Omondi.

The bird’s origin has been established from a  ring on its leg whose details show that it was ringed in Finland.

Kenya Wildlife Service Head of Veterinary Services, Dr David Ndeereh said they will share the information with the East Africa Bird Ringing Association to obtain further details on the bird.

Osprey (Pandion haliaetus), also called sea hawk, river hawk and fish hawk is a diurnal, fish-eating bird of prey with a cosmopolitan range. It is a large raptor, reaching more than 60 cm (24 in) in length and 180 cm (71 in) across the wings.

Omondi also called on the Siaya County Government to enhance the protection of Lake Victoria catchment areas including Lake Kanyaboli National Reserve as a number of migratory birds have been sighted in these areas in recent surveys.