The Ospreys Are Back!

The ospreys are slowly returning from their wintering grounds to their breeding sites. Currently, it is very likely to spot ospreys even in areas where they do not breed. As they migrate, they often stop to rest and replenish their energy.

In Franconia and the Upper Palatinate, you can see not only resident ospreys, but also migrants heading towards Mecklenburg-Vorpommern or Finland. With some luck, the banded birds can provide information about their journey and destination.

Last year, I managed to film a female that had traveled all the way from Spain hunting. Watch the video here - Osprey Hunting in Slow Motion.

For those who want to closely follow the breeding preparations, nesting, and rearing of the chicks, the city of Eschenbach offers a perfect opportunity. They have set up a YouTube livestream where you can watch the events unfold. I've linked the stream here; my wife and I enjoy watching the osprey pair's annual nesting. The YouTube community has named the pair "Herbert and Hermine," as they have been breeding there for years. It feels like part of our family.

For more information about the project and past breeding years, visit the Eschenbach city website. —> Information about the Osprey Nest at Rußweiher

YouTube Livestream:

The Osprey Season in Bavaria

The osprey pair from Eschenbach is back, marking the start of the osprey season. Osprey Season in Bavaria.

In the coming weeks, numerous ospreys will return from their winter quarters to breed and raise their young in Bavaria. Ospreys are majestic birds of prey, primarily living near water and feeding mainly on fish, which they catch with their sharp talons. Although there are some breeding pairs in Bavaria, ospreys are not very common.

The start of the osprey season is eagerly awaited by many nature photographers. The first ospreys arrived last weekend, and it remains to be seen how many pairs will successfully breed in Bavaria this year. These birds typically build their nests on tall trees near water and lay two to three eggs.

When spotting ospreys in the wild, it is important to be cautious to avoid disturbing or frightening them. A good way to observe ospreys is by joining guided tours with experienced leaders or watching the livestream mentioned above. If you come across a nest, maintain a considerable distance to prevent disturbing the birds, as disrupted birds may abandon their nests, which would be a significant setback for this species that was nearly extinct not long ago.

Overall, the return of the ospreys in spring in Bavaria is an exciting event for nature lovers, bird watchers, and environmentalists. It symbolizes the beauty and diversity of Bavarian nature and reminds us of the importance of environmental conservation to preserve biodiversity.

I hope you found this article interesting.

See you soon, and happy shooting!