Every spring, the University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum switches on our live Osprey Cam, and thousands tune in to watch anxiously for the large raptors’ return to the nest. Since 2013, viewers have watched with anticipation — mixed with cautious optimism — as ospreys lay eggs and hatch chicks that hopefully survive into adulthood.
As we wait for a mating pair to arrive, here are some frequently asked questions:
Q: What type of bird is an osprey?
An osprey is a large raptor known as a “fish hawk.” It has a wingspan of 4.5 to 6 feet, and a body from 22 to 25 inches long.
Q: When do ospreys migrate and where do they come from?
They fly here from their winter homes throughout April. The population that calls Minnesota their summer home migrates 4,000 to 7,000 miles from Central and South America. How quickly they arrive depends on distance and weather conditions on their way back north.
Q: Do ospreys bond?
Yes, but they don’t “winter” together or migrate together. The male and female fly north at slightly different times, and they find each other when they return to the same area. The male and female ospreys create the nest together. Typically, they return, establish or fix up their nesting site, and lay eggs by the end of April. The female generally lays one to three eggs and does most of the work incubating the eggs. The male brings her food and may help incubate or “brood” the eggs to give the female a break.
Q: Will we see the same birds from last year?
A: There isn’t a good way to know for sure. Ospreys can check out different empty nest sites as they migrate north, especially if they have not held a nesting territory before. Once a pair sticks, it might be possible to compare plumages from the previous year to see if markings are similar.
Q: Where do ospreys nest?
They like to nest up high near the tops of tall trees, cliffs or tall structures like telephone poles. They prefer a wide open area to avoid predators, including great horned owls, eagles and raccoons that come after eggs and chicks. Ospreys need to be near rivers and lakes to fish. The Arboretum’s nest sits high atop a defunct telephone pole in open fields near Lake Tamarack, so the nest checks everything on the osprey housing wishlist.
Q: Do you keep the Osprey Cam on all the time?
It’s on most of the time. We turn it off when staff are working nearby. The video can also go out occasionally due to power or network outages.
SOURCES:
- The Raptor Center at the College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Minnesota.
- Three Rivers Park District
- Cornell Lab, All About Birds
- Rachel Carson Council
Special thanks to the Garwick Family Memorial Fund and Jo Frerichs for generously sponsoring the costs of the live Osprey Cam.
Cover photo of osprey and chick in 2024 by Richard Bachrach