The second threat to the Osprey is decreased habitat for nesting sites. Their natural nest sites are usually in top of tall trees, both dead and alive, close to their hunting grounds. Deforestation of live trees, culling of dead trees and land clearing for development have contributed to nesting failure. Fortunately, the Osprey's population is on the rise today in many areas. But even with the building of nesting poles, it may take four to five years before it becomes inhabited.
Ospreys mate for life and tend to return to the same nest site year after year.
Once the nest is established, the nest will be added to each year, eventually reaching five or more feet in diameter and several feet thick. In the past few years, Ospreys have nested in Cos Cob Harbor, Greenwich and Sherwood Island State Park. Darien Audubon Society wants to help increase the population on the Osprey by erecting a pole in town. Our hope is that we too can experience the thrill of watching this wonderful bird hunting over Long Island Sound. As DAS continues to move forward on this project, we are always looking for volunteers who can help with site selection, platform construction and general administration duties associated with this endeavor.