Marine & Environmental Sciences Faculty Proceedings, Presentations, Speeches, Lectures

Seasonal Dynamics of Osprey (Pandion haliaetus) in Port Everglades, FL

Event Name/Location

Annual Science Meeting of the South Florida and Caribbean Cooperative Ecosystems Studies Unit, Miami, FL, April 27, 2007

Presentation Date

2-23-2007

Document Type

Lecture

Description

Osprey (Pandion haliaetus) populations were surveyed from 2002-2005 in Port Everglades, Florida. An average of 78 birds/yr were sighted. The Upper-harbor, Midharbor and Dania Canal regions accounted for 77% of all sightings. Seventy one percent of the birds observed were perched. The mean number males and females in 2005 was 61 (64%) and 10 (10%), respectively. We were able to individually identify 31% of all birds photographed. There were monthly differences in the number of osprey sighted, suggesting that both migratory and residential osprey utilize Port Everglades. Sightings were most numerous in October and November and decreased in April and May, suggesting osprey use Port Everglades as a wintering location between October and March. Osprey were seen most frequently in red mangrove (Rhizophora mangle) trees, most frequently during low tide and when water clarity was between 164-255 cm. During osprey breeding season elsewhere in Florida, there were no active nests identified in Port Everglades, implying that the study area was used primarily for foraging or resting. Birds sighted during the breeding months were most likely non-breeding subadults.

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