Osprey migration from UK breeding sites to African wintering grounds is a welfare challenge requiring careful management of energy reserves over thousands of kilometres.
Individual osprey welfare during migration is shaped by weather conditions, food availability at stopover sites, and human-caused mortality risks. Young birds on first migrations face the highest welfare risks from inexperience with optimal routes and stopover strategies. Sea crossings during adverse weather force birds to land on boats or sea structures with no food available. Illegal shooting in some countries causes direct mortality. Tracking data revealing individual bird welfare has generated significant conservation insight and public engagement. The welfare of named, tracked ospreys has created strong public connection to individual animal welfare outcomes.