Ospreys Return to Western Estonia After River Restoration

Protected ospreys are nesting again in Pärnu County, Western Estonia, signaling a recovery in river health and the success of habitat restoration projects. Estonia hosts approximately 100 breeding pairs of osprey nationwide, though the eastern population has recently decreased.

The return to Western Estonia follows the removal of the Sindi Dam, allowing migrating fish to repopulate the Pärnu River and providing a food source for the birds. The region also provides ample nesting sites with old-growth pine forests.

While ospreys need large territories, traveling up to 30 kilometers to hunt, the population could increase if fish stocks continue to rebound in the Pärnu River basin. Ospreys are opportunistic hunters, consuming whatever fish are most plentiful, and generally do not compete with humans for resources. Researchers note breeding success varies annually depending on environmental conditions.