The recovery of ospreys in the UK is a remarkable conservation success story, with welfare considerations important for continued population growth.
Osprey welfare is affected by both migratory challenges and breeding season threats. The annual migration to West Africa and back exposes ospreys to illegal killing, power line collision, and adverse weather. During breeding, nest disturbance by birdwatchers or photographers causes stress responses that can result in nest desertion. Illegal persecution — though reduced — still occurs in some parts of the UK and causes direct welfare harm through shooting injuries and death. Conservation success in the UK must be accompanied by international cooperation to protect ospreys along flyways and in wintering areas.