The osprey is a large bird of prey, also known as a raptor. In the 1800s and earlier, osprey populations in New Jersey were abundant. These birds could be found along the coast and near bodies of fresh water — where fish populations were available for feeding.
This bird of prey has a huge wingspan — between four and a half and six feet wide. When the osprey glides, it pulls the wings into its body. If you see an osprey from the ground, the wings and body may look like the letter M. The underside of the osprey is white with dark brown flight and tail feathers. These hunters feed on fish, and are known for the way they hunt. Osprey will plunge feet-first into the water to pierce a fish’s skin with strong, spiny talons.
In the 1900s, osprey populations went into decline. By the 1950s, there were 500 mating pairs of osprey in New Jersey. By 1975, there were only 68 pairs of osprey in the state. This led to the osprey being one of the first species placed on the NJ Endangered Species list. Experts blame the population decline on a variety of things:
- Loss of habitat, especially nest trees. Osprey like to nest in high places where they can see the water.
- Hunting and egg collecting.
- Increased human settlement along the coast.
- The use of DDT to combat mosquitoes. The chemical weakens the thickness of osprey egg shells, causing them to break while the chick is still incubating. DDT contamination can also cause reproductive failure in osprey.
Thankfully, the osprey were willing to accept manmade nesting structures to replace lost trees and habitats. With the increased availability of nesting places, the number of mated pairs improved over the years. The Endangered and Nongame Species Program in New Jersey also brought in eggs from healthy nests in the Chesapeake Bay area. These eggs were transplanted into New Jersey osprey nests to help repopulate the area.
By 1985, the status of the osprey was reduced from endangered to threatened — making the osprey the first species to be removed from the list! A 2001 survey counted 340 nests and banded 201 young osprey the next year. Surveys are made every other year to check the status of the osprey population. If you see an active osprey nest during nesting season (between April 15 and July 15), contact the NJ Department of Fish and Wildlife with the location. Please don’t approach a nest structure during nesting season!