Osprey Research

Abstract

We used satellite-monitored radiotelemetry to track 14 Ospreys (Pandion haliaetus) breeding on three study areas in southern Florida and four Ospreys breeding along the coast of Maine. Seven birds (50%) migrated from Florida to South America and one was tracked along its migration route and at its nonbreeding season destination in successive years. Four (29%) moved from their breeding areas, but stayed in Florida. Two birds (14%) remained in their breeding areas year round. One bird died (7%) before meaningful data could be collected. Ospreys migrating to South America left their nesting grounds 16 July-27 August and arrived on South American nonbreeding areas 31 July-11 September. The seven Ospreys spent between 142-180d in South America and initiated northward migration 10-31 January. On average they traveled 4105 km, taking 25 d (N =7), with a mean speed of 178 km/d (N = 5). Ospreys that remained in Florida departed nesting areas 13 May-20 July. Departure from Florida nonbreeding areas was between 28 October and 9 December (N = 4). Mean time spent on nonbreeding areas in Florida was 154 d (N = 3). From Maine, two birds went to Florida (St. Lucie and Indian River counties) and two went to the Caribbean (Haiti and Jamaica). These data show that some southern Florida breeding Ospreys migrate to South America, and some northern breeding Osprey winter in Florida.

Mathew Solensky,

Carlos Pages,

and Mark Martell place a transmitter on an Osprey in Florida Bay, Everglades National Park