The Department of Natural Resources requests help from wildlife observers to report any sightings of osprey in southern Michigan. The DNR specifically is interested in observations in the Maple River area, which is north of St. Johns, and in southeast Michigan – Oakland, Wayne, Macomb and Livingston counties.

Osprey once lived throughout Michigan, using their keen eyesight, superb flying skills and sharp talons to catch fish. Loss of habitat and the use of DDT and other pesticides are two major factors that led to their decline in the southern region of the Lower Peninsula. They currently are listed as threatened in Michigan.

Osprey currently nests in the northern Lower Peninsula and the Upper Peninsula, with a few nests in southwestern Michigan. For the past seven years, the Nongame Wildlife Fund has supported the transfer of osprey chicks from the northern Lower Peninsula to south-central Michigan. Chicks are reared in “hacking” towers until they are ready to fly and feed on their own. After fledging, the young ospreys migrate to South America to winter. In early April of their second or third year, osprey often returns to nest in the area where they learned to fly.

Last year, four chicks were released at Stoney Creek Metropark in Macomb County and one was released from a site near Barry State Game Area in Barry County.

"Osprey hacking has been extremely successful in Minnesota and other states," said Lori Sargent, the DNR wildlife biologist coordinating the program. "It is hoped the birds reared in 2001 and 2002 will return to southern Michigan to nest this year."

It is anticipated that these released birds will form the core of a successful population in southern Michigan, eventually expanding their range along rivers and other floodings. To date, 50 osprey have been released through this program. The program achieved success when two of the hacked birds returned to Kensington Metropark and raised chicks with their mates.

Ospreys from the program will be marked with a silver metal band on one leg and a green metal band with an alpha-numeric code on the other leg. The public is asked to look for these bands.

If any of these birds are seen in southern Michigan, the sighting can be reported to the DNR at (248) 328-8113, e-mail: OAKESJ@michigan.gov; the Metropark office at (800) 477-2757, e-mail: moilanen@metroparks.com; Lori Sargent at (517) 373-9418, e-mail: SargenL2@michigan.gov; or online at the DNR Web site.

Please report only those osprey observed in the southern part of Lower Michigan. Any information will be useful including location, time, activity (flying, fishing, etc.), and markings. It is especially important to note if the bird is banded and, if possible, the number on the band. The Osprey Project is one of many projects being supported by the Nongame Fish and Wildlife Trust Fund and the State Wildlife Grants program. Citizens can support these efforts by purchasing a Critical Wildlife Habitat vehicle registration plate through any Secretary of State office or by making a donation to the Nongame Wildlife Fund, P.O. Box 30180, Lansing, MI 48909.