Horizon Season 1987 Episode 8 The Return of the Osprey

Horizon season 1987 episode 8, titled "The Return of the Osprey," is a riveting documentary that explores the intriguing story behind the reintroduction of ospreys into the United Kingdom. The episode takes a close look at the work of Dr. F. J. L. Bell, a biologist and renowned ornithologist who led the campaign to bring these birds of prey back to the British Isles after they had been extinct there for over 150 years.

The program begins by outlining the reasons why the ospreys left the UK in the first place. It explains how the birds were hunted into near-extinction during the 19th century, with egg collectors and fishermen being the primary culprits. As a result, by the early 20th century, the osprey had disappeared completely from the country.

However, in the 1950s and 60s, some ospreys began to be spotted in various parts of the UK, leading bird enthusiasts to hope that the species might one day return in greater numbers. That hope was realized in 1976 when a pair of ospreys nested at Loch Garten in Scotland, the first time that had happened in over 160 years.

The episode then focuses on Dr. Bell, who was inspired by the Loch Garten ospreys to try and reintroduce the birds to other parts of the UK. A former member of the Royal Air Force and the British Antarctic Survey, Bell had long been fascinated by ospreys and had studied them extensively. He saw the Loch Garten birds as a chance to bring these magnificent creatures back to their former haunts and set about raising funds for a reintroduction scheme.

The program then takes us through the various stages of the reintroduction, from selecting suitable habitats to constructing the nesting platforms that would be used by the birds. We see the hard work and dedication of Bell and his team, who spent years preparing for the release of the first ospreys into the wild.

The release itself is a moment of great excitement and anticipation, and the episode captures the tension and drama of the occasion. We see the ospreys being transported in specially designed cages, their captors taking great care to ensure that the birds are not unduly stressed. The release is carefully timed to coincide with the migration patterns of the birds, giving them the best chance of success.

Once the ospreys are released, the episode tracks their progress, following them on their journeys as they explore their new surroundings. We see how they adapt to their new environments, how they hunt for fish and how they interact with each other.

The program also explores some of the challenges facing the ospreys, such as the loss of habitat and the risks posed by human activities. We see how Bell and his team work to mitigate these risks, setting up monitoring programs and educating the public about the importance of protecting these birds.

Throughout the episode, we are treated to stunning footage of the ospreys in flight and at rest, giving us a sense of their beauty and power. We learn about their biology and behavior, and gain a deeper appreciation for these incredible birds.

In conclusion, Horizon season 1987 episode 8, "The Return of the Osprey," is a fascinating documentary that tells the inspiring story of how one man's vision and determination brought a beloved species back from the brink of extinction. It is a well-produced and engaging program that will be of interest to anyone who loves birds, wildlife, and conservation.