Young Osprey in Danger
Written by “Mother Osprey” Barb Puxley
The next 6 to 8 weeks are the most dangerous time for young osprey; they might be orphaned for many reasons or try to fly before they are truly ready. Barb and Phil Puxley were trained how to handle young Osprey by Dr. Peter Ewins while he was doing research in the Sturgeon Lake, in the Goose Bay area.
My husband and I are the founding members of Friends of the Osprey (www.friendsoftheosprey.org). While Phil and I have received some training we offer the following advice should you come across an Osprey in distress. Do not put yourself or the Osprey in danger. If you are unsure, don’t hesitate to call the Ministry of Natural Resources or myself. If you feel the situation is critical – call 911.
The Bowmanville Wildlife Hospital called in 1997 to say that they had an orphaned young Osprey and could we help. Putting an orphaned Osprey in another’s nest had never been tried before, so we did not know what to expect. With the help of a staff member from the Ken Reid Conservation Authority, who had a boat and knew of a nest with only one chick, we decided to try foster parenting. We called the veterinarian at Bowmanville Wildlife Hospital, who brought the young orphan up, and off we went with prayers for success. After placing the young bird in the foster nest with the other chick, we retreated to watch what the female Osprey would do. She landed back on her nest and seemed to accept the new addition. When the male Osprey returned with a fish, they both tore the fish apart and fed both young. Six weeks later, Dr. Ewins returned to the nest to band the young, weigh, and measure the young bird’s wingspan. He found both birds healthy and near ready to fly. We have since placed several orphaned Osprey in foster nests, from our initial try in 1997 to today, 2010.
Another danger the young Osprey face is being scared off their nest before they are truly flight ready; they will crash-land on the ground or in water. If they are found and not injured, they can be helped. If from the top of a pole, sometimes Hydro One will put them back in their nest soon after they have been discovered. Sometimes we may fasten a plastic milk crate up high onto the side of the pole, and place the young Osprey on it; this will keep the bird away from most predators, and give him time to exercise his wings for flying. The parents will feed the young at the crate. If the young bird falls from a tall tree, (their natural nesting place) a ladder may be used to support this crate as high as practical up the trunk of the nests’ tree.
We know that the young Osprey have a better chance of surviving in the wild: they cannot live in captivity, they need their parents to teach the young how to fish, and they will only eat fresh caught fish.
If you do find a young sprey DO NOT PICK IT UP WITH YOUR BARE HANDS!!! The oils from your skin can damage the birds’ flight feathers - - use a pair of gloves to handle the young bird.
If you need to handle the young bird, first prepare a LARGE box by putting breathing holes in it (about 2 cm. diameter). When you try to pick up an Osprey, approach from behind; gently furl their wings back onto the body to their normal rest position, keeping clear of the beak and talons. Grasp gently, just enough to hold the bird, and place him in the prepared box. He will become quiet once in the dark. Write down the exact location where you found the bird, then phone me, Barb Puxley and leave a message telling me where you found the bird, and where I can meet you. We will be in contact as soon as possible.
You must not keep the young Osprey in captivity if it is injured. A veterinarian can also assist you.
I hope that all of you out there are interested in the Osprey and will watch the young over the next 6 to 8 weeks.
Barb and Phil Puxley
705-738-6271 OR 705-731-7832(cell)
Toronto Wildlife Center
416-613-0226
Sue Meech/Sandy Pine Wildlife Centre
613-354-0264
