• Stay away from Osprey nests when chicks are young- June, July, and 1^st half of August (Northern Hemisphere).

• During the spring Osprey are building their nests, if you see an Osprey nest being constructed on top of utility line poles, contact Idaho Power, and request that they place a nesting platform on top of the pole being used by Osprey for their nest (Eggs are usually laid by the end of April, after that time, do not disturb or attempt to relocate Osprey nests.) Juvenile couples build nests all summer long, so it’s important to get them building in a suitable location sooner rather than later.

• Keep dogs from harassing Osprey nests, or any Osprey chicks on ground.

• Call for help if you see Osprey tangled in any sort of rope or twine

• If fishing, make every attempt to retrieve snagged line, and cut snagged line short with minimal line left behind.

• Leave Osprey chicks that have fledged (covered in feathers) and are on ground alone. Do not touch or rescue any Osprey chicks on the ground unless they are visibility hurt or have not fledged yet; the chicks are learning to fly, and their parents will continue to feed and protect them while the chicks are on ground until they can fly.

• If farming, safely burn all used and left over bailing wire/cord.

• Throw away (or safely burn) any bailing wire/cord you find.

• Throw away (or safely burn) any fishing line you find.

Other Common Names: Sea hawk, River hawk, Fish hawk.

Description: Large diurnal raptor or bird of prey reaching more than 24” in length and 71” wingspan.  Deep glossy brown undercarriage, white breast plate, white head.  Male has slimmer body, more narrow wings, and smaller white breast band wrapping around breast plate towards the wings.

Life Span: 7-10 years, rarely as old as 20 – 25 years.

Primary Diet: 99% fish, up to 4.4lbs.

Breading Season: Spring.

Range: All continents, except Antarctica.

Nesting Habitat: Any location near and preferably overlooking a body of water with adequate food supply.  Nests are usually constructed atop (but not limited to) a rock outcrop, tree, or utility pole.

Nesting Materials: Comprised of sticks (from driftwood to fresh tree limbs selected and then harvested by the Osprey) grasses, seaweed, and any other material readily available (alfalfa/hay bailing string, plastic tarps, etc.).

Wintering Grounds: In North America, Osprey travel to South America for the winter.  Some Osprey do not migrate south for the winter at all, other Osprey migrate to the southern part of North America- including the southern part of the United States.

Eggs: Female lays 2-4 eggs within a month of mating, which then incubate for 35-43 days.

Chicks: Weight is between 1.8 – 2.1 oz., and fledge in 8 – 10 weeks.

Special Adaptations: Reversed outer toes with sharp spicules on the underside of all toes.  Closeable nostrils to keep water out.  Backward facing scales on talons that act as barbs to hold prey and keep it from escaping. Dense, oily plumage that prevents feathers from getting water logged.

Mating: Life pairing which can begin in the form of a partnership as early as age 5 moths.