Volunteers are hard at work as several osprey (Pandion haliaetus) nests begin to hatch, with at least 43 nests confirmed to have chicks. Monitors check nests biweekly until incubation activity is observed, after which they check nests at least once a week.

Nests are recorded as either inactive (no birds present), occupied (breeding pair present, but no incubation activity), or active (incubating). Different behaviors such as mating, feeding, and shading of young are also recorded. 

A storm early last week highlighted the importance of checking on these nests, especially after very windy conditions. Several nests were knocked to the ground, resulting in the unfortunate loss of four osprey chicks.

Volunteers arrived quickly and confirmed that no additional chicks had been observed at those nests. While we were unable to help these chicks, young ospreys can survive strong storms, and responding efficiently can make a huge difference.

“Chicks are not able to fly on their own, and osprey parents are unable to carry chicks back into the nest,” said Osprey Program Coordinator Amanda Manrique. “Chicks are dependent on us to help them return safely into a nest so they can continue to grow and be raised by osprey parents.”

As of Jan. 1, The International Osprey Foundation (TIOF)’s mission was transferred to SCCF’s new osprey monitoring program.

If you come across sick, injured, or fallen ospreys, please call our osprey hotline at 919-8-Osprey (919-867-7739). Your call could save a life!

Learn more about SCCF’s osprey monitoring program>>>