Ospreys Thriving Today Along NJ Coast About 50 Years After DDT & Development Nearly Wiped Them Out

In early spring, ospreys return to the New Jersey Shore and other coastal areas after spending winters in places as far away as South America. There were only about 50 breeding pairs of ospreys here in the 1970s, after widespread use of the pesticide DDT and development caused their numbers to plummet. After DDT use was banned, biologists, environmentalists, and volunteers--led by legendary naturalist Pete McLain--installed nesting platforms and took other measures to help the ospreys make a remarkable comeback. Today, Conserve Wildlife Foundation of NJ says there are about 800 breeding pairs in the state.

Nikki Vernachio, chief park naturalist at Cattus Island County Park in Toms River, NJ, talks about looking forward to the return of the majestic ospreys every year. She says the park offers walking tours during which visitors can learn about these beautiful raptors, as well as educational displays in the Cooper Environmental Center.  There are also numerous nesting platforms throughout the 530-acre park where osprey pairs return year after year to raise their young.

Ocean County Department of Parks and Recreation https://www.oceancountyparks.org/
Conserve Wildlife Foundation of NJ https://conservewildlifenj.org/
Sandra Levine Productions  https://sandralevine.com/

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