The Osprey is a notable bird that has made a remarkable come back.
Due to the use of pesticides, the species' decline from the 1950s thru the early 1970s was alarming. This decline put the Osprey on the endangered species list.
The chemical DDT was found to be responsible for this raptor's decline.
As DDT made its way into the food chain of the Osprey, it was determined that this was the reason for the thinning of the eggshell of the Osprey.
The use of DDT was halted and banned from being used, in 1972.
https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Osprey?
All of the following pictures were taken over a three week period while we were vacationing in Cape Coral, Florida.
90% of the Osprey's diet is fish. We were fortunate enough to spot this Osprey enjoying a meal. The raptor was perched on top of a pole, tearing the flesh from the bones of a recent victim.
About a week later, this Osprey hovered over us while we were relaxing on the beaches of the Sanibel Island Causeway.
The Osprey is primarily a solitary bird, but on this day, at least a half of a dozen of these areal masters, made their way up and down the beach, while hugging the shoreline.
A hungry Osprey is a picture of concentration as they ready themselves for plunging into the water. They dive with their feet outstretched and can reach a depth of up to three feet. An unsuspecting fish is lifted from the water, 1 out of every 4 attempts. Secured by the Osprey's lethal talons the #web of life is on full display.
Man, and his love for birds has also played a big part is the Osprey's revival. With this week's #SMaP, Round 60, BIRDS WITH HUMANMADE THINGS, these man-made nesting sights are a great example of #wildlife #conservation.
As natural nesting sites have succumbed to man's ever growing footprint something needed to be done, and it was. These specially constructed nesting platforms were built high atop many of the utility poles along the roadsides in Florida. These utility poles have become vital to the Osprey’s recovery.
Some of these nesting boxes were made from wood while others were constructed from sheet metal.
At least 12 of these nests were built along a four mile stretch of roadway that took us off of Sanibel Island. 80% of the nests were active.
Capturing these pictures was planned out for at least a week. This particular road is just a single lane going each way, very busy. There are guard rails that make it impossible to pull off. The guard rails were likely positioned in this fashion so that people wouldn't be able to pull over to snap pictures of this incredible display.
