Osprey Information
Ospreys are well-loved birds of our coastal bays and marshes. Formerly known as the fish hawk, ospreys rely almost exclusively on fish for their diet. They have taken well to human structures, such as duck blinds and channel markers, for nest structures. They, like eagles and falcons, succumbed to the effects of DDT and their population dropped to about 60 pairs by the early 1970s.
With the help of biologists and, more recently, volunteers who put up nest structures, they have recovered to more than 360 nesting pairs. The Endangered and Nongame Species Program monitors their health as an indicator of many coastal species, as they are sensitive to contaminants and the viability of the aquatic food chain.
2011 Osprey Report (pdf, 75kb)
2010 Osprey Report (pdf, 179kb)
2009 Osprey Report (pdf, 158kb)
2008 Osprey Report (pdf, 151kb)
2007 Osprey Report (pdf, 48kb)
2006 Osprey Report (pdf, 44kb)
2005 Osprey Report (pdf, 52kb)
2004 Osprey Report (pdf, 43kb)
2003 Osprey Report (pdf, 21kb)
2002 Osprey Report (pdf, 43kb)
Osprey - April 2003 Species of the Month
Osprey Nest Platform Plans and Placement Information
American Kestrel Information
This once-common inhabitant of fallow fields and pastures has declined in recent years, and the reasons are largely unknown. The Endangered and Nongame Species Program embarked on a survey campaign in 2004, and the findings were alarming. More detailed surveys and habitat evaluations were conducted in 2005, along with building a predictive habitat model.
Experiments with nest boxes are planned for 2006 to see if breeding success can be improved for this now scarce bird. 200 nest boxes will be constructed and installed throughout New Jersey. These boxes will be monitored during the breeding season by ENSP staff and/or volunteers.
Please report your sightings of this bird, especially in the breeding season (April – July) using the Sighting Report Form.
ADDITIONAL LINKS
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