Osprey on Swiss TV

Stephen Rytz and Loîc Oswald Orca productions filming the Return of the Osprey

“The Return of the Osprey”, a film by Stephan Rytz, director and Loïc Oswald, cameraman (photo above), has just come out, documenting the project of the NGO “Nos Oiseaux” to reintroduce the Osprey in Switzerland. Produced by Orca Production, the film will be shown for the first time on Swiss television on Saturday 20 May at 1:40 pm (RTS1), and on Monday 22 May at 8:15 pm (RTS2).

“The Return of the Osprey” illustrates how long and complex it can be to restore a breeding bird species which became regionally extinct. It beautifully chronicles the main stages of the project since it started in 2015, including the construction of the release aviaries, the translocation of Osprey chicks to Switzerland, their care and surveillance with the support of a very dedicated team of volunteers, and the return of the lucky few to Europe after migrating to West Africa and spending about two years there.

While some of our males back in the Three-Lakes region have already courted females coming from elsewhere, and at least two females released in Switzerland have bred in France and in Germany, the first showing of this film could not be more timely as suspense is building on when and where the first pair will breed in Switzerland.

Although the original film is in French (see trailer), an English version is currently in preparation.