Ospreys – the success of a bird conservation project in Poland

An osprey conservation project offers hope for the survival of this rare species in Poland. The initiative, which began with an online broadcast, has resulted in the construction of 300 new nests on high-voltage poles and trees. As of 2019, when 25 nesting pairs were recorded, the number has increased to 40 by 2023. Dominika Nadolna of the Lipka Forest District emphasizes that the project and online transmission from the nest, not only increased the number of ospreys, but also contributed to educating the public and improving the perception of these majestic birds.

Agnieszka Hobot: How has the project you are implementing affected the osprey population and what effects has it had, taking into account both natural threats and human actions?

Dominika Nadolna: The State Forest project, which initially gained publicity through online broadcasts, received funding from the LIFE+ program. This enabled us to build about 300 new nests on high-voltage poles and trees. When the 2019. we recorded a decline in the number of nesting pairs from 28 to 25, the situation was very difficult. However, by September of last year, the number had already increased to 40 nesting pairs, which clearly shows that our efforts are bearing fruit. We choose suitable sites for nests, which the birds are eager to settle.

Thanks to the transmissions, we observe that these adult ospreys have their young returning the following year or years. They look in to see if there is room in the family nest and if it is worth settling here. Even if they don’t decide to stay permanently in the place they left, they have a chance to find new territories in the area, such as in the Zlotow, Trzcianka or Krzyz forest districts. If they settle here permanently, which we are very much rooting for and hoping for, we will think about creating a protection zone. Ospreys are eager to settle in the areas of northwestern Poland and Mazury, where they have relatively clean, shallow lakes with good inlets and places to rest.

Ospreys lay at least 2, 3 and sometimes even 4 eggs. In most cases, they raise 3 young, that is, the number of individuals shows an upward trend. However, I think that our project has not only contributed to the population growth, but also changed the public perception of ospreys. As I mentioned before, we are conducting educational activities aimed at owners of breeding ponds. Since the start of the project, we have practically no cases in which ospreys in Poland have been shot.

We also carefully educate the public about the fact that the osprey is an extremely rare species in our country and that it is worth being proud to nest in our country. It is much rarer than the lynx, bear or white-tailed eagle, which was once the symbol of a species in danger of extinction, but whose population has since recovered. Ospreys are even fewer in number than bison. This bird is truly a unique treasure of our nature and we are very proud to contribute to its protection.

A.H.: The project subsidized by the European Union is a unique activity. And what are the standard activities to protect ospreys?

D.N.: The main element of our protection is the creation of protection zones, in which there is a total ban on entry. We have a year-round zone with a radius of 200 m from the nest and a periodic zone, which is in effect from March 1 to August 31, when ospreys are present. At that time, no activities that might frighten the birds are allowed within a 500-meter radius of the nest. We, as foresters, also adapt our work to these rules. We consult with the Regional Directorate for Environmental Protection on any work in the vicinity of nests and perform it outside the osprey breeding season, that is, by the end of February at the latest.

If we need to carry out maintenance on the cameras, for example, we plan it so as not to disturb the birds, that is, to do it by the end of February, because from March we are already expecting their arrival. The protection zones are clearly marked as protected areas. We make sure that no one stays in the designated zone, no one enters it by car, bicycle or canine. Ospreys have an excellent view from their nest and are very alert, so we try to limit our presence in these areas so as not to disturb them. Although observations from other regions suggest that these birds can be quite tolerant, we do our best to make our activities as minimally invasive and as compatible with the needs of these raptors as possible.

A.H.: To conclude our conversation, I would like to touch on your personal professional goals or dreams related to osprey conservation. What are your main aspirations in this field?

D.N.: My greatest wish is that the number of ospreys in Poland will increase significantly. I’m full of hope that we will be able to build more nests, especially since there are plans to relocate high-voltage lines. I hope that the existing poles will remain and we can use them to create new nesting sites for ospreys. I would like the population of these birds not only to stop declining, but to start growing steadily.

In addition to direct conservation activities, I also conduct intensive educational activities in our forest district. I create materials and organize educational games dedicated to ospreys to increase public awareness of the species. It’s important to me that the public not only gain knowledge about ospreys, but also feel proud of their presence in our area. I can already see some results of these activities, especially locally, in Lipka and surrounding villages. Awareness of the existence and importance of ospreys is growing, and my dream is that this will carry across the country. In Pila we have a mural with an osprey – perhaps more such actions would be useful?