Description
Ospreys are striking birds with contrasting dark and light feathers, bright yellow eyes, and a distinctive brown eye stripe. Given the nickname “Fish Hawk” they are specialized in every way for fishing and need two requirements to survive: open water and a strong tree for nesting.
In the 1960’s, ospreys were almost completely wiped out in America due to the pesticide DDT which causes their egg shells to crack prematurely. But fortunately, in recent years their populations have started to recover due to conservation programs and a ban on the use of DDT and other chlorinated hydrocarbons. Once again ospreys are gracing U.S. shores. Listen for their nervous “creee” call and look for them sky-dancing or perched on a snag overlooking a seacoast, lake or river. But remember that their struggle is not over. DDT is still manufactured in the U.S. and used in South America where the birds overwinter. What is done in one part of the world is not isolated. All life on this planet is interconnected.
artwork by John Sill © 1993
text by Kara Jean Hagedorn
