Residents of Usalo Village in Siaya County are once again talking about an extraordinary event after spotting yet another rare migratory bird—an exotic Western Osprey—from Finland earlier this week.
This is the second time such a bird has been found in the area, leading to renewed public calls for Usalo to be officially recognised as a bird sanctuary due to its unique attraction for migratory species.
The latest sighting was made by a local fisherman, Walter Tende Oloo, who discovered the large bird accidentally trapped in his fishing net along the shores of Lake Victoria.
Sadly, the bird did not survive the ordeal. When inspected, rings were found attached to its legs, bearing markings from the Museum Zool, Helsinki, Finland and the identification code C6.U—proof that it had been ringed in Finland before embarking on its long journey south.
The Western Osprey, also known as a fish hawk, river hawk, or sea hawk, is a powerful, fish-eating bird of prey. With a wingspan that can stretch up to 180 cm (about 71 inches), the Osprey is known for its striking appearance—white underparts, dark brown back, and a distinctive dark stripe across its eyes.
But beyond its looks, this bird is celebrated for its astonishing flying ability, hunting skills, and survival instincts.
These birds are ringed as part of a scientific practice called bird ringing. This involves capturing birds, fitting them with a small, coded metal ring on the leg, and releasing them to monitor their movement, behaviour, and survival.
In Kenya, this is done by the National Museums of Kenya in collaboration with the Nairobi Ringing Team and Nature Kenya.
Interestingly, this isn’t the first time a Finnish Osprey has found its way to Usalo. In January 2020, another Western Osprey made headlines after travelling more than 6,900 kilometres from Finland to the same village. That bird, too, had a ring that helped researchers trace its origin.
Locals and bird lovers now believe Usalo Beach has the potential to become a premier birdwatching destination. The shoreline and nearby land are already home to numerous bird species, both local and migratory, making it a natural haven for avian life.
A 77-year-old villager, whose land is often visited by exotic birds, expressed concern that many residents are unaware of the birds’ significance and sometimes harm them out of ignorance.
He appealed to the government to offer protection to the area and educate locals on the importance of conservation.
“There are many foreign birds that keep coming here, but the locals don’t understand their value. Some get eaten, others get injured. If this place is declared a sanctuary, we can protect them and even attract tourists,” he said.
The residents hope that the repeat visits from such rare species will help push their dream forward—that Usalo will soon be recognised not just as a fishing village, but also as an important ecological hotspot that contributes to wildlife conservation and eco-tourism.
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