Live camera provides look at Ospreys

By Melissa Murray

Quinte’s ospreys are expected to cut their winter vacation short because of atypically warm temperatures. Quinte Conservation will be checking the status of the osprey camera at the Quinte Golf and Country Club later this week.

“We need to make sure it’s working and that nothing happened to it over the winter,” said Sarah Midlane-Jones communication specialist for Conservation Quinte.

The camera will go live on March 26, giving viewers the opportunity to tune into the everyday activities of the osprey and their nesting habits. The birds, which have up to a six-foot wingspan, are expected to arrive back to the area early because of the warm temperatures that have spread across the region.

Usually, ospreys are first sighted around April 1, said Midlane-Jones.

“People are fascinated with the birds,” said Midlane-Jones. “Especially since the birds haven’t always been seen in the area.

“People love watching them.”

There are more than 50 osprey nests in the area, said Mary Gunning a Bay of Quinte Remedial Action Plan environmental technician.

The camera, which was installed last year, increased hits to their website by 300 per cent, said Midlane-Jones.

The osprey population took a huge hit in the 1950s and 1960s because of rampant use of pesticides like DDT.

“Ospreys are a good indicator of a healthy habitat. They wouldn’t be here, if the environment didn’t support them,” Midlane-Jones added.

Gunning agreed.

“They’ve been making a comeback,” she said.

Eggs that are laid hatch at the end of May and the fledglings stay nearby until they fly in October.

“It’s an exciting time of year for us because it is when things are starting to happen,” said Midlane-Jones.