Osprey over the Merrimack River

October 12, 2016 in Nearby Landbirds

_w7i9511-001The Merrimack River continues to show signs of the lingering drought with many areas of uncovered rocks on the river bed.  Walked the shore line a bit this morning on the east side of Rt. 495.  Among the many gulls and Great Blue Herons was an Osprey perched on the south side of the river.  It looked like a possible first year juvenile and was clearly foraging for fish in the shallow waters!

Osprey over the Merrimack in Lawrence!

August 18, 2014 in Osprey

This Osprey was seen this morning perched on a lateral pipe on the south side of an old mill building located at 250 Canal Street. The pipe extends out over the Merrimack River and is a popular perch for late season Ospreys in the NW corner of Essex County. According to the Essex County Greenbelt Association, the population of breeding Osprey in Essex County continued to expand in 2013, increasing over the past four years from an estimate of 11 pairs in 2010; to 14 pairs in 2011; to 18 pairs in 2012; and to 26 pairs in 2013. Despite low productivity in 2013, the upward trend in the number of nesting pairs since 2010 suggests that productivity been at or above the level believed necessary long-term to maintain and/or grow an Osprey population. Greenbelt is expecting the nesting Osprey population in Essex County to continue to expand in 2014.

Greenbelt played an important role in Osprey conservation in Essex County in 2013 by ensuring nest sites/structures were stable and well monitored by volunteers and staff, by expanding public outreach and education, and by conducting research. Greenbelt plans to continue with and expand the Osprey Program in 2014.