Osprey Reintroduction Project - Overview
The osprey is one of the most widely distributed birds in the world, found on every continent except Antarctica. The population declined rapidly between 1950 and 1980 due to DDT use, loss of breeding habitat and poaching. The banning of DDT in combination with state conservation programs has allowed the osprey to make a comeback throughout the United States. The osprey is considered endangered in Indiana.
An osprey is a raptor or bird of prey. Raptors are at the top of their food chain and prey on smaller animals. The osprey has special adaptations to hunt fish but will occasionally eat rodents, birds, small vertebrates and crustaceans. Although they can be very protective of their nests, they will not harm people.
Table 1: Osprey Nesting in Indiana
| Number of Nests | Number of Chicks | |
|---|---|---|
| 1990-2000 | 1 annually | NA |
| 2001 | 2 | NA |
| 2002 | 4 | NA |
| 2003 | 5 | 10 |
| 2004 | 8 | 16 |
| 2005 | 11 | 23 |
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