The
Connecticut Audubon Society has
launched a new citizen science program called “Osprey Nation” with the
goal of tracking and safeguarding the hundreds of Ospreys that nest in
Connecticut, according to a release.
Connecticut Audubon is creating an interactive map, available on
www.ctaudubon.org/osprey-nation, that will show the location as well as key information about each nest. The data will also be provided to the Connecticut DEE.
Working
in partnership with state Department of Energy and
Environmental Protection, Connecticut Audubon Society "is recruiting
volunteer stewards for Osprey Nation, to create a long-term record of
information that will provide a better understanding of the health of
Connecticut’s Osprey population," the release said..
"It
was only several decades ago that the widespread use of DDT brought
these great fish-eating raptors to the brink of extinction. But with a
ban on this toxic pesticide and the efforts of government biologists,
conservation groups and individuals, Ospreys have made a dramatic
comeback. Ospreys now nest in dozens of locations along the coast, and
on rivers and lakes further inland," the release said.
“The
status of these magnificent birds provide us with invaluable insights
into the health of our lakes, rivers, Long Island Sound – and
ourselves,” said Alexander Brash, president of Connecticut Audubon
Society, also in the release. “If Ospreys are doing well, we know that fish are plentiful and
relatively free of environmental contaminants. If the Osprey population
starts to fall again, it will be a signal that something is wrong
somewhere.”
“In
order to follow any population trends in our Ospreys, we need to know
how many nests are in Connecticut and whether the birds are thriving
over time,” Brash said.
Robert
Klee, commissioner of the DEEP, said, also in the release: "Careful monitoring of the Osprey
population continues to be important and the volunteer work of
Connecticut's citizen scientists will provide the Department of Energy
and Environmental Protection with valuable information that will help
scientists determine how well Ospreys are doing in Connecticut. Since
their comeback after the ban of DDT in the 1970's, the population has
experienced a steady increase and can be seen all along Connecticut's
coasts and rivers."
Milan
Bull, Connecticut Audubon Society’s senior director of science and
conservation, said the organization is recruiting a network of volunteer
stewards to collect data on Osprey nests, including location, arrival
dates in spring, nesting success and departure dates.
“If
you live near an active Osprey nest, own binoculars or a spotting
scope, and want to join our network of stewards, please email us at
Osprey@Ctaudubon.org,” Bull said.
Bull
said he estimates that each volunteer steward would need to spend no
more than an hour a month, from late March through August, observing,
recording information and emailing it to Connecticut Audubon Society, the release said
Photo provided by Audubon is by Diane Hull, on the Branford River.
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