In 2014-19 Ospreys Pandion halieetus built nests at nine different locations in the Biesbosch area, southwestern Netherlands. Breeding commenced in 2016, and this pair was successful in all years in 2016-19, raising a total of eight young in three nests. A second pair occupied a cluster of nests in several electricity pylons a few km farther south, with successful broods in 2017 and 2019, raising a total of 4 fledglings. A third pair settled in a territory in the Biesbosch area in summer 2019, and built two nests. In 2018 and 2019, territorial Ospreys were also present in the Maasplassen area in Limburg, southeastern Netherlands. A small nest was built in 2018, and in 2019 an artificial nest was provided and occupied though breeding has not yet commenced. Ring readings revealed that (potential) breeding birds originated from eastern Germany and Rutland, UK, showing natal dispersal of >400 km for males. Dutch Ospreys have to cope with territorial White-tailed Eagles Haliaeetus albicilla and Peregrines Falco peregrinus, apparently impacting nest site choice. In Limburg, Canadian Geese Branta canadensis claimed the artificial nest until the beginning of May 2019. Human disturbance is cause for concern.

De Takkeling

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Werkgroep Roofvogels Nederland

A. de Jong, T. van der Es, & N. Hulsbosch. (2020). Territoriale en broedende Visarenden Pandion haliaetus in Nederland in 2014-19. De Takkeling, 28(2), 145–154.