In the fall ospreys migrate south and Mass Audubon’s Cape Cod Osprey Project takes time to assess the year’s data. Head for Long Pasture Wildlife Sanctuary on December 7 to learn all about the important information gathered by the citizen scientists working to ensure the health of the Cape’s osprey population.
But this talk is not just about numbers. Hear the tale of the osprey chick who got a second chance in a makeshift laundry basket nest. And find out what Mass Audubon’s Cape Cod Osprey Project staff learned this year about the local population and how they live.
Cape Cod ospreys rebounding after DDT ban
The ospreys of Cape Cod nearly disappeared in the 1970s. They were one of the bird species hard hit by DDT, which caused thinning of eggshells and loss of chicks. Since DDT has been banned osprey numbers have steadily increased, especially on Cape Cod. Mass Audubon has been working to restore osprey habitat and provide nest platforms for the fish eating birds of prey.
Mass Audubon's Cape Cod Osprey Project
The Cape Cod Osprey Project began in 2008, using volunteer citizen scientists to monitor osprey nests. These volunteers note when the birds arrive back in spring, then track nest building, breeding, and chick rearing activities.
Long Pasture Wildlife Sanctuary Director Ian Ives and Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary Science Coordinator will give a slideshow highlighting the successes of 2010. And potential new osprey nest monitors will have a chance to find out more about the volunteer program for 2011.
Eyes on Ospreys: 2010 Cape Cod Osprey Project Results
7 pm on Tuesday December 7 at:
Mass Audubon's Long Pasture Wildlife Sanctuary
345 Bone Hill Road Barnstable, MA 02637
Phone: 508-362-7475 Email: longpasture@massaudubon.org
Comments
I traveled to Florida a couple of years ago and the amount of ospreys there is incredible. I went to my friends daughter's t-ball game and there was an osprey nest in the park on top of a light pole. This is in the middle of St. Petersburg.
In Quetico my dad and I were on the shore cleaning fish and an osprey flew right over us with an enormous fish in its talons. It was like he was showing us up. They are incredible birds and sometimes overshadowed by the bald eagle.
Great to see the Ospreys rebounding.
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