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Don’t Count Your Chicks Before They Hatch
This nest’s story seems to have a happy ending. Unfortunately, this year proved to be the most perilous breading season since we began our Maurice River Osprey Colony Project in 1985. With 30 active nests and an egg count of 64-71, just 33 of an anticipated 60+ chicks have survived. Only one other pair produced 3 chicks, compared to 2002 in which twelve nests produced 3 chicks each. (Click here for osprey statistics) The dangers for these young osprey have just begun. Studies show that only 50% of raptors survive their first year after fledging. Migration is risky business. During the last week of August and first few weeks of September most of the NJ Delaware Bayshore osprey will begin their annual migration to South America. In 2001, by August 23 a productive adult female outfitted with a satellite transmitter was already in VA; five days later she was in Cuba, by the middle of September she was in Venezuela, and then a transmission from her wintering grounds in Manaus, Brazil was received on October 1st.
This young family has been given a hearty start by two diligent parents whose competence during this breeding season outmatched the vast majority of their adult peers. One can only guess what wondrous adventures await this young winged trio. Thank you for permitting us share their story with you.
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