File:Coast watch (1979) (20471622128).jpg

Title: Coast watch
Identifier: coastwatch00uncs_8 (find matches)
Year: 1979 (1970s)
Authors: UNC Sea Grant College Program
Subjects: Marine resources; Oceanography; Coastal zone management; Coastal ecology
Publisher: (Raleigh, N. C. : UNC Sea Grant College Program)
Contributing Library: State Library of North Carolina
Digitizing Sponsor: North Carolina Digital Heritage Center

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Text Appearing Before Image:
Anne Marshall Runyon
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Great Lakes, the northern Rocky Mountains and the Pacific Northwest. The U.S. osprey migrates southward to the Caribbean, Central America and South America during winter months. The exception is the osprey population of Florida, which keeps a year-round domicile. Other isolated pairs, for no clear reason, choose not to migrate, Brown says. Unlike other raptors, young ospreys spend extended time on their wintering grounds before heading north during their third year. This provides extra time for them to develop foraging skills. The osprey, also dubbed the "fish hawk," stays close to abundant supplies of fish, except when migrating. In captivity, researchers have discovered that an osprey will refuse to eat fish that have not been freshly killed, Brown notes. This preference has created problems for some researchers studying ospreys outside their natural habitat. Ospreys are monogamous birds; they mate for life. During courtship, the male flaps vigorously over the nest of a female, calling out loudly and often presenting her with a fresh fish. Pairs return to the same nest year after year, adding twigs and bark to their ever-expanding home. The female lays about three beige eggs, highly camouflaged to undermine threats from common predators such as bald eagles and crows. During the incubation period, about four weeks, the female will remain with the eggs while the male hunts fish to bring back to the nest. Osprey chicks, or eyas, remain in the nest for about eight weeks until they fledge. A bird has fledged when it has the feathers it needs to fly and live independently. An osprey's body is uniquely designed for performing its aquatic feats. Marked with black wings and a white underbody and head, the osprey boasts long legs for plunging into the depths of the water. The soles of the bird's feet are equipped with small, sharp spikes just right for snagging fish. With keen eyesight, the osprey homes in on its prey from above the water's surface. The bird then plunges feetfirst into the water, often submerging its body completely, and snatches the fish with its talons. The fish is usually carried in flight head forward — a surprising ride for the fish, to be sure — until the osprey finds a spot to stop and devour it. Ospreys have been reported to prey on birds, mice and other mammals, but these remain exceptions in their diet. With patience and a dash of luck on your next trip to the coast, you might catch a glimpse of one of North Carolina's best coastal fishers. □ For more information about ospreys, plan a visit to the N.C. Aquarium on Roanoke Island. The aquarium has a new osprey exhibit featuring live video footage of the nesting behavior of an osprey pair that returns each year to a tower nest outside of the building. COASTWATCH 21

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