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In 2019, we documented persistent plastic marine debris in 42% of occupied osprey nests, but suspect that many more contain plastics, which can cause birds to become entangled and cause serious injury or death.

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Barnegat Light Osprey Cam

Our osprey cam was first installed at Forsythe NWR in 2013. In the spring of 2019, we installed a new camera at a nest in Barnegat Light.


Welcome to the home of the Barnegat Light Osprey Cam! We decided to pursue the installation of a camera system at this tall nest so that we can share the intimate life of ospreys with everyone from the Long Beach Island region and worldwide. This is the third year for this pair of ospreys at this nest site (second year of cam). In 2018, they produced two young and three in 2019. In 2020, the pair produced three young. All young have been banded for future tracking. So far the pair has been the same. We know by their distinct plumage, iris, and the male's band. Female is unbanded and male will be 17 years old (band 788-49033) if he returns. He originated from a nest that is less than 2 miles to the north from where he now nests.

As many know, ospreys are an important bioindicator species and reflect the health of their surrounding environment. A healthy coastal ecosystem equals a booming shore economy and the ospreys indicate that we're doing a good job of protecting our coastal areas. There are still many threats to ospreys, even though they have recovered from the effects of DDT and habitat loss. You can make a difference and help ospreys by reducing your dependence on single use plastics, eating sustainable/local caught seafood and by not releasing balloons. You can also help ospreys by participating in coastal cleanups or by picking up plastic litter that you see.

Our goal is to increase awareness and protection of ospreys in New Jersey and learn more about their prey.

Nest Cam News:

March 7

We await the spring arrival of ospreys here in New Jersey. In states to the south, pairs are already arriving at their nests. In the past, ospreys have arrived during the first week of March and last week, at least one was observed at Edwin B. Forsythe NWR in Oceanville.

Last year, Daisy arrived on March 19 and a male arrived on the 22.

CHRONOLOGY:

2018: This platform was first used in 2018 after being installed many years ago by the Garden Club of LBI. We knew this would be the perfect site for a camera, with access to power and internet. We received a generous grant from the Osprey Foundation to install a new camera at this location in late 2018.

Early 2019: We presented our idea for a nest cam to the Town Council of the Borough of Barnegat Light and they enthusiastically approved.

February: We consulted with an electrian, ITS Electric Service LLC and they helped obtain construction permits and install service for us.

Late-March: Electric service was installed and the camera and associated equipment was attached to the osprey nest platform, after that was repaired by adding a new nest box.

LEARN MORE:
CONTACT US:

Ben Wurst, Senior Wildlife Biologist: Email

Find Related Info: Osprey

Report Prey Deliveries!

Image of menhaden

You can help ospreys by reporting fish that are caught at this nest by reporting your observations using the form linked to below. Everyone who contributes will be entered into a contest to win a CWF/New Jersey Osprey Project t-shirt!

 

With Support From:

 

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Nest Cam News Archives:

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023