UK ospreys winter in West Africa, where they face fishing pressure, habitat degradation, and occasional persecution — satellite tracking reveals the welfare challenges of their 4,000 km migration.
Osprey welfare across the full annual cycle encompasses migration hazards, winter territory quality, and persecution. Non-stop transSaharan flights of 1,000+ km in 24-36 hours require exceptional physiological reserves; failure mid-flight means death. West African fish availability directly determines winter survival. Persecution through shooting, while less common than historical levels, still occurs. UK breeding season welfare is affected by winter survival success — birds returning in poor condition breed less successfully.