Spot a fallen Osprey chick? Quick action can save its life

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA, (WINK) — If you have spent any time near the water in Southwest Florida, you have likely seen osprey nests scattered across the landscape.

These protected “shore hawks” are more than just a familiar sight; they are considered a keystone species, meaning they can tell scientists a lot about the health of the environment.

WINK Weather Authority Meteorologist Andrew Shipotofsky recently visited with the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation to learn more about these birds and how the public can help protect them.

Ospreys help scientists monitor water health

Along Southwest Florida waterways, ospreys are known as skilled hunters. Nearly all of their diet consists of fish, making them an important indicator of water quality.

“Ninety-nine percent of their diet is actually fish,” said Amanda Manrique, osprey program coordinator with SCCF. “So that means they are really good indicators of water health. If something is going on with the water, it's going to impact the fish, and then impact the ospreys.”

Each year, volunteers help monitor osprey nests throughout nesting season, which typically runs from December through June.

“They watch for nesting activity; if they see them mate, feeding, and of course when they lay their eggs; that’s what we are really looking for,” Manrique said.

Once eggs hatch, the chicks are extremely small and difficult to spot.

“We will start to notice the mom is not laying in the same position as she was before,” Manrique explained. “She is kind of sitting up more.”

Storms can knock chicks from nests

Recent storms and strong winds have created a dangerous situation for young birds.

High winds can knock chicks out of nests, leaving them stranded on the ground. Because young osprey cannot fly, they rely heavily on human help to survive.

“And because they can't fly, and their parents aren't capable of picking them up and carrying them back into the nest; they are pretty dependent on us,” Manrique said.

Returning chicks to nests can also be challenging due to how high many nests are located.

“Basically, we need someone with a tall ladder or a lift so we can carry the chick back into a nest,” she said.

How you can help osprey chicks

With nesting season underway and storm season beginning, conservationists are asking the public to stay alert.

If you see an osprey chick on the ground, officials urge residents to report it immediately.

“See something, say something,” Manrique said. “And the sooner the better, as it could be life or death for some of these chicks.”