Hello, Osprey Fans!
Here’s the latest update on our feathered friends frequenting the osprey nest/cam at the Arboretum, courtesy of Lori Arent, the Assistant Director of The Raptor Center at the College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Minnesota.
Q: Two birds appear to be frequenting the nest. But, given that a bald eagle pair appears to be nesting nearby — and sometimes perching on the osprey nest (yikes) — we’re worried. Will the osprey lay eggs here if their territory is threatened?
A: Now that a pair of eagles has chosen to nest nearby, it will be interesting to see if the osprey still consider this platform a prime spot to raise a family. They will have to start nesting soon if any chicks they produce will be ready to start moving south by early September.
Eagles are known to chase osprey out of their territory and even attack osprey nests, preying on their chicks. In some areas, early pressure from eagles causes osprey to look at alternative nestling locations. So, we will know in a short while if the osprey are brave enough to go for it at this site.
Q: We have noticed the birds are eating fish. What type of fish do osprey eat?
As for what species of fish osprey eat, it depends on the locality and what types are more readily available. As a general rule, an osprey's diet consists mostly of 2-3 fish species. Studies done in the Chippewa National Forest revealed that the diet for osprey in that part of Minnesota consists roughly of two-thirds bluegills and crappie, and the other third could not be easily identified.
Stay tuned for more osprey news. We’re looking ahead cautiously, uncertain of outcomes as usual, but honored for the privilege of seeing their lives up close.
Update from April 26, 2023: "The pair seems relatively at ease so far today and are spending a fair amount of time preening their feathers," said Lori Arent. "They would not do this if they were nervous and on alert. Also, it now looks like the pair is serious about trying to raise a family on this platform. This morning, at around 11 a.m. the female started moving some old sticks around and the male flew in with a new one. Let's hope this is a sign that nest building has begun!"