- Thanks to a webcam installed by Endesa, Fundación Migres, and the Regional Government of Andalusia, it’s now possible to watch live how an osprey tends to her chicks in a nest located in the Odiel Marshes Nature Reserve. For the first time ever in Andalusia, the laying of several eggs has been captured live on camera.
The osprey is a species of bird of prey that became extinct in the Iberian Peninsula at the end of the 20th century. However, thanks to the efforts of Fundación Migres, the Regional Government of Andalusia, and Endesa, a stable population has now been reestablished.
Due to the conservation work carried out in 2024, 23 osprey chicks successfully fledged in the provinces of Cadiz and Huelva. The reproduction process can now be observed in real time—viewers can watch how this species lives, lays its eggs, and raises its young through the webcam installed in one of the nests in the Odiel Marshes Nature Reserve.
This marks the first time a breeding population of ospreys in a stable habitat can be observed live. ‘The camera gives us a glimpse into one of the most important moments in the life of a bird,’ explains Carlos Torralbo, spokesperson for Fundación Migres. ‘We’re able to see mating, followed by nest building and the male providing fish to nourish the female for reproduction. Lastly, we observe egg laying, incubation, and the second phase: the birth of the chicks, their early care, and their first flights. It’s a window into the life of this iconic bird of prey.’
Endesa and Fundación Migres have been working together since 2018 to help conserve the osprey population in Andalusia. After completing the installation of more than 12 nesting platforms, the project has moved forward with the next essential steps for safeguarding the species.
Ongoing efforts include maintaining existing nests. This activity is critical to prevent chicks or eggs from falling due to structural deterioration. Therefore, creating new nests in suitable locations allows the species to expand into new areas.
These conservation efforts, combined with the insights from the webcam, make it possible to closely monitor the population and track its trends over time—vital information for identifying potential issues early. Torralbo adds that ‘monitoring breeding territories and detecting disturbances is especially important for small populations. Banding every individual provides highly accurate data that can be used in population dynamics studies. Engaging civil society in conservation adds transparency and public participation, significantly improving the success of these projects.’ To foster this engagement, Fundación Migres led the creation of the ‘Friends of the Osprey’ initiative, generating national interest and awareness.
Endesa continues working alongside Fundación Migres to preserve this emblematic species through joint actions. One such initiative involves national awareness efforts, including biennial winter censuses. Thanks to this work, around 190 ospreys were spotted in Andalusia during the last census, accounting for 40% of the overwintering population in the Iberian Peninsula. This highlights the critical role the region plays in protecting this magnificent bird of prey.
All these actions for the conservation of the osprey are embedded within Endesa’s Biodiversity Conservation Plan, established in 2013. Indeed, this Biodiversity Conservation Plan is considered one of the seven commitments to sustainable development within the framework of Endesa’s first Strategic Sustainability Plan.
About Endesa
Endesa is the leading electric company in Spain and the second largest in Portugal. It is also ranked as the second largest gas operator in the Spanish market. Endesa operates an integrated business model spanning electricity generation, distribution, and retail. Furthermore, the company offers value-added services focused on the electrification of energy use for households, businesses, and public administrations. Endesa is committed to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and corporate social responsibility. In the latter area, it also works through the Endesa Foundation. Our team comprises around 9,000 employees. Endesa is part of Enel Group, the largest European utility by ordinary EBITDA [1].
[1] Enel’s leadership in the different categories is defined by comparison with competitors’ FY2023 data. Fully state-owned operators are not included.