Fishermen in Usigu, Siaya County, rescued an Osprey entangled in a fishing net. The bird had a Russian identification tag used for research and migration tracking.
The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has confirmed the rescue of an Osprey (Pandion haliaetus) in Ugingo Village, Usigu Sub-location, Siaya County.
The bird was discovered on Friday morning after becoming entangled in a fishing net on Lake Victoria.
According to KWS, the Osprey had a Russian identification tag on its left leg. Such tags are commonly used by bird researchers to track migration patterns.
The fishermen safely retrieved the bird and reported the incident to local authorities.
KWS officers from Siaya, led by Deputy County Warden Byatt Shikanga, responded to the alert and secured the bird.
The Osprey appeared exhausted and was placed under professional care.
Under the supervision of Dr Isaac Lekolool from the KWS Veterinary Department and raptor specialist Dr Simon Thomsett, the bird was transferred to the Raptor Centre in Soysambu Conservancy.
The Osprey will undergo: Medical examination, Hydration and feeding, Monitoring and rehabilitation
KWS says it will be released back into the wild once fully recovered.
KWS thanked the fishermen and residents for acting quickly and reporting the incident:
“This remarkable visitor reminds us of the long journeys migratory birds undertake. We appreciate the community’s vigilance in supporting wildlife conservation,” the statement read.
The service encouraged the public to report injured wildlife through: Toll-free: 0800 597 000, WhatsApp: 0726 610 509 or the nearest KWS office
Ospreys are large migratory birds of prey that travel long distances between breeding and wintering regions.
Some migrate over 4,000 miles, often flying alone along coastlines and major water bodies.
This is not the first time an Osprey has been recorded in Siaya: In 2020, another Osprey travelled 6,948 km from Finland and was rescued after being caught in a fishing net. In 2025, another tagged raptor from Finland was found in West Yimbo, though it did not survive after entanglement.
These sightings highlight Siaya’s importance as a stopover location for long-distance migratory birds.
