Since SCCF began monitoring ospreys (Pandion haliaetus) in January 2026, the nesting season is in full swing, with numerous nests incubating and even the first chicks confirmed. The photo above, provided by volunteer Penny Albright, is the first confirmed chick!

With the help of 40 volunteers, SCCF took over The International Osprey Foundation’s mission and is now monitoring nests on Sanibel, Captiva, Fort Myers Beach, and Pine Island.

“Volunteers will continue to monitor nests until the latest chicks fledge in July,” said SCCF Osprey Monitoring Coordinator Amanda Manrique.

Both resident and migratory ospreys begin nesting in Florida as early as December, with migratory birds arriving from as far south as Argentina.

Ospreys are raptors — predatory birds with sharp talons and a sharp, curved beak.

“Though they are sometimes nicknamed the ‘fish hawk’ or ‘sea hawk,’ they actually belong in their own unique family, Pandionidae, of which they are the only species,” adds Manrique. “Their range is amazing — it reaches every continent besides Antarctica.”

Ospreys are especially prevalent near shallow waters, as they are heavily dependent on fish for their diet. They are opportunistic nesters and have been known to build nests on trees, chimneys, utility poles, signs, and man-made platforms.

“They prefer to nest in open areas to protect their nests from ground predators, often making the nests highly visible to humans, which is great for monitoring the population,” said Manrique.

Volunteers have been trained and all slots are filled for this season, with plans to open up again for next year’s nesting season.

Please watch or photograph osprey nests from a distance and report threats to sccfospreys@gmail.com. Learn more at sccf.org/osprey-monitoring