MIGRATORY BIRD FROM RUSSIA MAKES SURPRISE LANDING IN SIAYA

Osprey, a long-distance migratory bird from Russia, made a surprise landing in Siaya County, Kenya, on the morning of Friday, November 7, 2025.

The fish-eating bird of prey was discovered by local fishermen in Ugingo Village after it became entangled in a fishing net. The fishermen carefully extracted the bird and brought it to the attention of local authorities. The Osprey was identified as a research subject from its native Russia by an identification tag affixed to its left leg, used by scientists to track migration patterns for conservation.

The incident quickly drew the attention of the community, as reported by Village Elder Eric Omuok. Responding immediately, a KWS Siaya team, led by Deputy County Warden Byatt Shikanga, secured the exhausted traveler. The exhausted feathered traveler from the Palaearctic region was carefully secured and put under expert supervision.

Under the guidance of Dr. Isaac Lekolool, Head of the KWS Veterinary Department, and Dr. Simon Thomsett, a renowned raptor specialist and rehabilitator, the Osprey was transferred to the Raptor Centre in Soysambu Conservancy, where it will undergo detailed medical examination, monitoring, and rehabilitation. The bird will eventually be released back into the wild to continue its journey.

“We wish to thank the community for their vigilance and support, highlighting the crucial role the public plays in wildlife conservation in Kenya, and also acknowledge and appreciate the continued partnership with avian experts at the  @museumsofkenya  (NMK) and the Kenya Bird of Prey Trust (KBPT),” read the statement.