Back to Other Osprey Information	Ospreys in New Hampshire:
	Status in 1998

Rains Dampen Osprey Season

by Chris Martin, ASNH Senior Biologist

New Hampshire's osprey population struggled through a generally difficult breeding season in 1998. For the state as a whole, 24 active nests produced just 25 young. That's nearly 40% fewer young than in 1997 and the lowest productivity documented since 1992. Persistent heavy rains in June apparently contributed to numerous nest failures, especially in northern New Hampshire. Many nests where adults were actively incubating eggs or brooding young in early June had failed by early July. There were still several bright spots highlighting the past year. In December of 1998, a volunteer work crew, led by the ASNH Massabesic Audubon Center's Iain MacLeod and professional arborist Dan Geiger, constructed a remarkably accurate replica of an osprey nest in a white pine on the shore of Lake Massabesic. Once ospreys returned north in April, a pair quickly claimed the Massabesic site, mating on the nest, chasing off intruders, and adding their own sticks. Although their residency was temporary (they left the area after just two weeks), everyone was thrilled and encouraged about future prospects of successfully attracting birds to this part of the Merrimack River watershed. Ospreys using a Public Service of New Hampshire (PSNH) utility pole near Lake Winnisquam received a boost in late March when Seaward Corporation (a PSNH sub-contractor) employees raised the nest onto a custom designed pole extension. ASNH recently received a generous donation from Mead Paper, upon whose land seven osprey nests are now located, which has already enabled us to buy hardware for predator guards on nest trees and which will soon fund production of a multi-year summary report on New Hampshire's recent osprey population trends. Monitoring and management of this state-listed threatened species continues to be coordinated by ASNH with funding support and technical advice from the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department. Volunteer opportunities are always available. Please contact Chris Martin at (603) 224-9909 for more details.