Ospreys have recolonised Scotland naturally and now thrive across much of Britain. Nest site protection and healthy fish stocks in breeding lochs are essential for osprey welfare.
Osprey welfare at the nest depends on reliable fish stocks within comfortable foraging range. In drought years when loch levels drop and fish concentrate in deeper water inaccessible for diving, parents may struggle to provision chicks adequately. Nest disturbance from recreational visitors or unauthorised approach during incubation causes egg desertion and chick mortality. The long migration from West Africa exposes adults to hunting pressure in some transit countries, with individuals sometimes arriving in poor condition affecting breeding success.