NPS Photo The osprey is sometimes referred to as a "fish hawk" because it eats little else. These raptors (birds of prey) can be seen hovering high above, then diving deep into the water at speeds up to 70 mph. Spending winters in Central and South America, osprey migrate back to the New York/New Jersey area in mid-March, where they breed. Osprey mate for life. Ospreys (Pandion haliaetus) can be spotted in the air or diving into the water. They are large raptors with brown wings and backs, white bellies and black, hooked beaks.
Currently these raptors are found in high numbers on all continents---except Antarctica. Osprey spend winters in Central and South America, and then migrate back to the New York/New Jersey area in mid-March, where they breed. Osprey mate for life.
Osprey nests are very large and are made from mostly sticks, but tend to include a variety of garbage including balloons, plastic bags, and fishing line. Most of these nests are built upon artificial platforms, which were implemented as part of a conservation effort to help restore their population. Osprey are often called "fish hawks" since they eat little other than fish.
Osprey are a conservation success story. The construction of artificial nest platforms were implemented as part of a conservation effort to help restore their population, which was severely threatened in the 1970s due to the use of the chemical pesticide DDT. Currently these raptors are found in high numbers on all continents---except Antarctica.
"Osprey" NY State Department of Environmental Conservation https://www.dec.ny.gov/animals/7088.html
"Osprey" All About Birds The Cornell Lab https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Osprey/overview |
Last updated: August 12, 2020