Western Ospreys Wow Siaya Village with a Journey from Finland

Usalo Village in Siaya County is quickly gaining global attention. For the second time in just five years, a rare Western Osprey from Finland has landed here.

This bird, known for its extraordinarily long-distance flights, was discovered trapped in a fishing net near Usalo Beach. Sadly, it died before help arrived. Yet, its arrival has reignited community hopes that their home will finally be recognized as a vital bird sanctuary.

The Western Osprey’s journey is not just about flight—it’s a story of resilience, nature, and a village’s call to protect what matters.

The tale of the Western Ospreys flying from Finland to Usalo is both tragic and inspiring. Though this latest bird died before it could be saved, its journey has reignited a conversation about conservation, tourism, and environmental protection. [Photo: Courtesy]

Western Ospreys Fly Over 6,900 Kilometres to Reach Siaya County

This week, residents of Usalo Village in Siaya County witnessed something extraordinary. A Western Osprey, a large migratory bird of prey, arrived all the way from Finland. Sadly, the bird was found entangled in a fishing net and died before it could be rescued.

Fisherman Walter Tende Oloo was the first to spot the rare visitor. While inspecting his fishing gear, he discovered the lifeless bird. Fastened to its legs were identification rings, confirming it had been ringed in Finland. One ring bore the inscription “Museum Zool, Helsinki, Finland” and the code C6.U.

The Western Osprey, also called the sea hawk or fish hawk, is no ordinary bird. It is known for its long migratory patterns and incredible survival skills.

In fact, this isn’t the first time the village has hosted such a guest. In January 2020, a similar bird flew over 6,900 kilometres from Finland to the same region, grabbing national headlines.

These birds have a wingspan of up to 180 cm and are skilled hunters. They mainly feed on fish and are often seen diving at high speeds to snatch prey from water surfaces. The Osprey’s unique black eye stripe and white underbelly make it easy to identify.

Bird experts say such sightings are rare and valuable. They use bird ringing—attaching an identification band to a bird’s leg—to track migration patterns.

In Kenya, the National Museums of Kenya works with teams like Nature Kenya and the Nairobi Ringing Team to study these birds.

Calls Grow for a Bird Sanctuary in Usalo

The recent Osprey discoveries have renewed calls from locals to turn Usalo Beach into a protected bird sanctuary. The beach, already rich in bird species, is now attracting global interest. Villagers say exotic birds visit the area regularly, but due to a lack of awareness, many are injured or even eaten.

A 77-year-old resident, whose land has become a common stopover for these birds, urged the government to take action. He said many villagers don’t understand the birds’ value and often treat them as ordinary creatures.

“If the area is protected, we can attract tourists, boost our local economy, and preserve these birds for future generations,” he said in an interview with a local TV station.

Locals believe that formal recognition will help protect the birds and raise awareness. Some even suggested setting up birdwatching towers, nature trails, and educational signs to teach both children and visitors about the area’s biodiversity.

Why Western Ospreys Matter to Conservation

The arrival of Western Ospreys in Siaya is not just a rare event—it is a golden opportunity for conservation.

These birds are strong indicators of a healthy environment. Their presence signals rich fish populations and clean water systems. If Usalo can support these rare migratory birds, then it likely hosts many other species worth protecting.

Also, Western Ospreys are listed under various international conservation programs. Their tracking data helps researchers understand global climate patterns, fish populations, and migration routes. Every time one lands in Kenya, it becomes part of a larger scientific puzzle.

Unfortunately, this latest bird didn’t survive. But its journey has sparked awareness. Villagers now know they are part of something much bigger. The hope is that this awareness will lead to long-term protections—not just for Ospreys but for all wildlife in the region.