Category Archives: Ospreys

A dramatic decline of osprey populations between the 1940s and 1970 was caused by DDT-induced eggshell thinning. DDT and PCBs built up in the fish the ospreys ate and made their egg shells so thin that adults crushed their progeny when they nested … Continue reading →

Osprey Eggs 2 – The Oologist The stunning beauty of osprey eggs was not lost on the old naturalists. There was gamesmanship of climbing to nests to collect the eggs. Osprey egg-collecting played a major role in the population decline … Continue reading →

Last year Harriett lay three eggs, April 5th, 6th and 7th. Osprey eggs are considered one of the most beautiful of all bird eggs. They have long been admired for their unusual coloring. Rich browns              … Continue reading →

Still in the picture The Doctor found the eagle nest today. It is only ¼ mile from Harriett’s.

Last year eggs were laid April 5th, 6th and 7th. Harriett continues to configure her nest. The walls are stacked neatly and intertwined. The interior is lined with a base of soft grass. Jonathan brings in some Spanish moss.  

The Doctor’s third platform ——- Jan, 2019 to present. “Thank you, Doctor,” said Harriett.

The Doctor’s second platform. The Taj Mahal Destroyed by Hurricane Florence – September 7, 2018

Urban development, road building, agriculture, logging, erosion, water pollution and more are destroying the natural habitat of osprey. Man-made artificial platforms have been helpful. The Doctor’s first platform – 2014   Hurricane Arthur  

Ospreys are beachcombers. A sundry of shore line flotsam and jetsam are frequently found incorporated into their structures: plastic bags, pieces of plastic toys, fishing line and more. Looking at an osprey nest, one can tell how the world has … Continue reading →

Osprey Nest 2 The nest site is not far from water, usually on top of a large tree (often with a dead or broken top) allowing 360 degrees of visibility. Nesting on a structure over water will protect them from … Continue reading →