New Jersey Osprey Project: Osprey Spring Migration

An adult Osprey carries its catch.
Photo credit: Steve Byland
In early March adult ospreys are beginning their migration to their summer breeding grounds. In the Mid-Atlantic region past band recovery data has shown that 66% of banded nestlings (older than 3 years) returned to their breeding grounds in March as compared to 91% in April (Poole & Agler 1987). Osprey nestlings that were banded last year will remain on their breeding grounds until next summer. This year ospreys that were banded in 2008 will return to the the areas where they originated. In New Jersey, 448 young were produced in 2008. We can expect that less than half will have survived to return to breed in New Jersey.




Comments