Osprey

Osprey. Pandion haliaetus. , The osprey is one of Connecticut's wildlife success stories. The overuse of pesticides, primarily DDT, caused a dramatic decline in osprey numbers and, by 1974, there were only 9 active nests in Connecticut. The use of DDT has been banned in the United States and populations are gradually recovering. Ospreys are now commonly seen along Connecticut's coast and rivers., Breeding Biology , Ospreys migrate to South America in winter, returning to Connecticut in late March to breed. Man-made platforms erected on marshes are readily used as nesting sites. Pairs usually return to the same site, adding new material to the old nest each year., An average of three eggs are laid. The female is responsible for the majority of incubation and is brought fish by the male. When the young hatch, both adults bring fish to the nest After migrating, it will be two to three years before the young return to Connecticut., (photo caption) , Osprey feed almost entirely on live fish which they seek out in tidal bays and estuaries. The birds plunge feet first into the water grabbing the fish with their talons