Suitable Habitats for Ospreys at Stockton University 1

Habitat and Human Conflict: Suitable Habitats for Ospreys at Stockton University
Alexis Everland, Nicki Hyde, Stan Peiffer
ENVL 4300-001
Stockton University

Image Provided by TNC https://www.nature.org/en-us/about-us/where-we-work/united-states/new-

jersey/stories-in-new-jersey/from-surviving-to-thriving/
Suitable Habitats for Ospreys at Stockton University 2

Introduction
Our group has chosen to assess new suitable nesting locations for the Osprey (Pandion haliaetus).
Osprey are an important species because they act as “canaries in a coal mine”. They are directly affected
by pollutants found in their prey, which are fish. If the fish in our waters are not suitable for osprey to eat,
they are definitely not safe for us either (Cubie, 2012). The only nesting structures Stockton has provided
for this species is located at the Universities Seaview Resort site in Galloway, NJ (Figure 1). The edge of
the property lies along Reeds Bay. Reeds Bay lies between Galloway and Brigantine. This is quite a
suitable nesting habitat for the migratory osprey. Due to the fact that the university occupies prime osprey
real estate, it has an obligation to provide more habitat for the school’s mascot.

Figure 1: Two existing nesting structures located at Stockton Seaview Hotel & Golf.

Background Information
The osprey is a cosmopolitan species, meaning they inhabit similar habitat all over the world
(Rodriguez-Santana et al., 2014). They are also migratory. They breed in North America along both
coasts in the summer months and migrate southward at the beginning of Autumn to winter in warmer
Suitable Habitats for Ospreys at Stockton University 3

regions and migrate back north during the spring (Rodrigues-Santana et al., 2014). They nest in reservoirs
in all but four of the lower 48 states (Cubie, 2012). They usually migrate alone or in small groups, but
occasionally in flocks as they pass through regions where migratory routes intersect (Rodrigues-Santana
et al., 2014). Their wintering grounds range from the southern US to southern South America and from
the west coast of Mexico to the Caribbean and the east coast of South America (Washburn et al., 2014).
The birds usually take the same routes to the same places during the spring and the autumn each year
(Martell et al., 2014). Young birds usually stay in their wintering sites for the first two winters and do not
breed until they are three or four years old (Cubie, 2012).
Ospreys feed exclusively on fish. During their long migration they utilize a fly-and-forage
strategy where they do not stop at places to hunt but rather forage along the way (Strandberg et al., 2007).
Any pollutants the fish ingest, so will the osprey. In the 1970’s the osprey population declined severely
due to the widespread use of DDT, a pesticide used for insect control that also caused the shells of osprey
eggs to become thinner. By 1974 there were fewer than 50 nests in NJ, and so they landed on the
Endangered Species List (“From Surviving to Thriving” n.d.). DDT was banned by the Environmental
Protection Agency in 1972, and since then the osprey population has recovered. DDT persists in the
environment today but in lower concentrations that no longer affect Osprey (Ambrose, 2001).
In the 1940’s osprey populations declined due to habitat loss as nesting trees were cut as the land
they were on was colonized (“Osprey, Pandion haliaetus” n.d.). As extremely adaptable birds, they have
become increasingly prolific in suburban and urban landscapes (Washburn et al. 2014). When the New
Jersey Endangered Species Conservation Act passed in 1974, the osprey was one of the first species to be
listed on the New Jersey Endangered Species List. It was listed as endangered in several other coastal
states as well but never federally listed. Due to recovery, they were changed from endangered to
threatened in 1985 (“Osprey, Pandion haliaetus” n.d.). As of 2017, there are 668 osprey nests and 892
young counted in NJ, 74 nests and 141 young counted in the Delaware Bay alone, 572 nests and 871
young counted in the Atlantic coast alone, and 81 nest and 70 young counted in the Great Bay to Atlantic
City region alone, which is the region closest to Stockton (NJDEP). According to a T&E survey done on
campus by Marathon Engineering & Environmental Services, Inc., osprey were reported flying over Lake
Fred 3 times and foraging there once during between the months of January and May 2008. They added
that osprey were seen foraging by others in April and May (Brickner, 2009).
Procedure
Observation of existing nest structures and osprey habitat background information allowed us to
determine new suitable habitat locations. Two constructed osprey nests were observed in the marshes near
Stockton’s Seaview property. Both sites were located in open surroundings. Osprey Nest Site 1 appeared
to have been inhabited by ospreys as it contained an osprey nest. Though, it is possible that the osprey
Suitable Habitats for Ospreys at Stockton University 4

utilizing this nest has migrated since it was observed in October. Osprey Nest Site 2 did not appear to be
used. The nest structure did not have any form of nesting built, though it is possible it is quite new or the
nest was blown off in recent storms.. The nests were not covered with guarding, though neither showed
signs of other animals inhabiting or destructing the nests.
Results and Discussion
The optimal location for an Osprey on Stockton University’s main campus was determined
(Figure 2). Herbaceous wetlands are optimal because they contain open space suitable for osprey nesting.
It is most suitable for ospreys to nest close to bodies of water with fish (Spitzer, 1978). Ospreys are highly
adaptive, but it is preferential to keep them at a distance from human disturbances (Ewins, 1997). There
are no osprey habitat nests or other habitat boxes of predators such as great horned owls that would attract
threats (Toschick et al., 2006). Stockton’s Marine Field Station in Port Republic, NJ is another suitable
site (Figure 3). It is on the Nacote creek, a tributary to the Mullica River which drains into the Great Bay.
It is at least 2 miles from moderate human disturbances, and already sustains successful nests. There is
plenty of room to build another nest that complies with our nesting qualifications.
Man made platforms will serve as nests. They are made from pressure treated wood fastened atop
wooden poles that are driven into the ground. The height of the nest box ranges from twenty to one
hundred feet off the ground (Appendix). Each occupied nest cannot be within four hundred and sixty feet
of one another because they are territorial birds. Building a platform requires 2”x6”x10’ pressure treated
planks and a bucket of galvanised screws that should be securely fastened because after additional nest
growth, ospreys can end up with nests that are too deep and wide (Fedorkp n.d.). Material used by
Ospreys for nest building or repair depends on availability in the surrounding area. Natural material is
complemented by an endless range of human refuse (plastic bags, pieces of fishing net, cloth, string, etc.),
which can occasionally prove hazardous both adults and young (Canal et al., 2017). The best time to
watch the nests is between the end of April and beginning of September during breeding season
(Levenson and Koplin, 1984).
Conclusion
Stockton has the potential to host successful osprey nests. The university has an array of property
that can accommodate their migration habits, diet, and nesting preferences. It is likely a nest constructed
at the marine field station would thrive better than one on the main campus as it has greater access to open
land, water, and is farther from human disturbances. However, positioning habitat nest in various parts of
Stockton property will help provide better insight into their habitat suitability.
Suitable Habitats for Ospreys at Stockton University 5

Figure 2: Optimal Osprey Nest Location on Stockton University Campus.

Suitable Habitats for Ospreys at Stockton University 6

Figure 3: Optimal Osprey Nest Location at Stockton University Marine Field Station.
Suitable Habitats for Ospreys at Stockton University 7

APPENDIX
Blueprint to Nesting Platform for Osprey (Hassinger, 1994).
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