The start of August is the time when the first reports of Osprey migrating over Switzerland that are not one of “ours” begins. This means that it is increasingly difficult to tell the difference between Ospreys passing through and local birds. Summer is also a period when one of our males may still meet a single visiting female, increasing the chances that she might return next year. One such female (photo above), unringed and possibly still immature, has been recorded several times during the last two months in the Haut-Doubs region, including once with a male who we suspect is Flamme (ex-KF6).

With the number of sightings increasing from now, it is even more important to note exactly at what time any Osprey observation is made, whether a ring is visible, and recording the code if it can be read or photographed.

As for “our” birds, they should stay in the area for a few more weeks. For reference, in 2022 Taurus (PS7) was last seen on August 31, Flamme (ex-KF6) on September 5, Arthur (F12) on September 11, Olympe (F28) on August 21, and Racine (F29) on 23 September, after a visit to Lake Constance. All observations are valuable to help determine their departure dates, in particular that of Taurus (PS7), since his ring could not yet be read this year. While it is more likely to see them in the Three-Lakes region, a few (like Flamme) can venture 50-60 km from the release site, or even more. So happy Osprey watching to all for the last weeks before they all head back south!