Spring is here! There are signs of it everywhere: trees are budding, flowers are up, and birds are returning. Spring calls are everywhere. One we often hear around the water is a high-pitched whistle "cheep, cheep" or "yeck". It's the return of the Osprey! The Osprey is a large "bird of prey" or raptor. With it's 6-foot wing span, dark colored back and light crest it is a welcome sight. Ospreys are recognized in flight by their slightly V-shaped wings with black markings Just beyond the bend of the V.

Where do these birds live?

If you see a huge nest (the nest can weight up to 1/2-ton) on a pole or crown of a tree, near the water, that's an Osprey's home. Ospreys begin nesting in early spring. The males arrive back on Long Island in mid-March. The females arrive about 2 weeks later. They have returned to the same area in which they themselves were fledged, making their home within 5 miles of the nest in which they were raised.

How close is too close?

It is best to observe them from a respectful distance. Different pairs tolerate different conditions. Ospreys make a whistle like call. They will call to sound the alarm of an intruder. If you hear this you are too close. If they are disturbed too often they may abandon the nest and eggs.

• What do Ospreys eat?
• Where do they go in the winter?
• How old are they when they return to begin breeding for the first time?
• What caused the decline in their populations?
• What can we do to help these birds and other wildlife?

Please respond to us with answers or feedback on this lesson.