Operation Osprey

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Operation Osprey's mission is to conduct an annual Osprey nesting and population Survey in the Severn River watershed as well as Engage and Educate the public about the raptors' migratory life and behaviors.

Our 2026 Osprey Survey & Tracking Report is here!Another season of research, monitoring, and discovery in the Severn Riv...
10/14/2026

Our 2026 Osprey Survey & Tracking Report is here!

Another season of research, monitoring, and discovery in the Severn River watershed has come to a close, and we're excited to share our findings!

This year, Operation Osprey monitored 127 nest sites, expanded survey coverage into the southern Severn River watershed, and launched a satellite tracking program following three female Ospreys: Maggie, Millie, and Patty.

While the 2026 nesting season brought concerning results, our findings reinforce the importance of continued research and conservation efforts throughout the Chesapeake Bay.

A special thank you to our Osprey Stewards, staff, board members, and conservation partners who make this work possible!

Explore the full report to learn more about this year's findings: https://operationosprey.org/studies-and-reports

From Maryland to Venezuela!Since being fitted with a satellite transmitter along the Patuxent River in June, Patty has t...
09/10/2026

From Maryland to Venezuela!

Since being fitted with a satellite transmitter along the Patuxent River in June, Patty has taken us on an incredible journey south, including a 640 mile, 30 hour flight across the Caribbean Sea from the Dominican Republic to Venezuela.

Now in Venezuela’s llanos, Patty is giving us a remarkable look at where Chesapeake Bay ospreys go beyond their nesting grounds.

Follow Patty’s journey and read the full story on our website: https://operationosprey.org/news/f/tracking-pattys-journey-from-maryland-to-venezuela

Understanding the numbers is one thing. Seeing the empty nests firsthand is another.In our latest news post, Operation O...
08/11/2026

Understanding the numbers is one thing. Seeing the empty nests firsthand is another.

In our latest news post, Operation Osprey Board Member Matt Bem reflects on joining Dr. Ken Green for a late-July survey along the Severn River. While some nests held fledglings preparing for their first flights, far more were quietly empty bringing the Chesapeake’s concerning osprey reproductive trends into stark perspective.

Read Matt’s firsthand reflection here: https://operationosprey.org/news/f/a-morning-on-the-severn-seeing-the-data-firsthand

Our 2026 nesting season is still underway, but the results so far remain concerning. While Operation Osprey has celebrat...
07/16/2026

Our 2026 nesting season is still underway, but the results so far remain concerning. While Operation Osprey has celebrated several exciting research milestones this year, early nesting data shows that 80 active nests produced 100 eggs, yet by June, only 20 chicks remained in 16 nests, with 80% of monitored nests failing to produce young.

At the same time, we've expanded nest monitoring, launched our first GPS tracking project, continued nest camera research, and grown our incredible Osprey Steward network. Learn more about what we've observed so far this season and how these efforts are helping us better understand the challenges facing Severn River ospreys by reading the full update on our website: https://operationosprey.org/news/f/2026-july-nesting-season-update

Unfortunately, our latest nest survey in the Arundel on the Bay and Fishing Creek area brought more concerning news.In M...
06/30/2026

Unfortunately, our latest nest survey in the Arundel on the Bay and Fishing Creek area brought more concerning news.

In May, two navigation marker nests in Fishing Creek each contained three eggs. During this month's survey, we expected to find chicks. Instead, both nests had experienced complete nesting failure, with no chicks present.

These findings reflect the troubling pattern being reported by researchers across the Chesapeake Bay, where another year of poor osprey reproductive success is unfolding.

Read the full update on our website to learn more about this month's survey and what these observations mean for our local osprey population. https://operationosprey.org/news/f/june-nest-survey-update

A big milestone for Operation Osprey this week!Working alongside an incredible team led by Greg Kearns from Jug Bay, we ...
06/10/2026

A big milestone for Operation Osprey this week!

Working alongside an incredible team led by Greg Kearns from Jug Bay, we successfully deployed GPS transmitters on two adult female ospreys, Maggie and Millie, in the Severn River watershed.

Both birds were safely captured, fitted with transmitters, and released back to their nests, where they continue to care for their chicks. Early observations show both females are doing well and the transmitters are functioning as intended.

We're excited to follow their movements and learn more about how ospreys use the Severn River watershed. Stay tuned for updates from our newest research ambassadors!

Recently our President Dr. Ken Green headed to Fishing Creek to conduct one of our annual nest surveys, joined by local ...
06/02/2026

Recently our President Dr. Ken Green headed to Fishing Creek to conduct one of our annual nest surveys, joined by local volunteer Randy Kliewer.

Using a mirror pole to safely check accessible nests, the team confirmed three active nests each containing three eggs. Several additional nests showed signs of incubating females, suggesting even more active nesting activity in the area.

We're excited to expand our watershed monitoring efforts in Fishing Creek this season and grateful for Randy's help in making the survey a success. After mastering the mirror pole, he's officially earned the title of Osprey Champion!

Interested in getting involved? We're always looking for volunteers to assist with nest monitoring. Contact us to learn more: https://operationosprey.org/contact-us

Our recent nest survey trip with Captain Josh at the helm was an exciting one!Despite strong winds that made it challeng...
05/30/2026

Our recent nest survey trip with Captain Josh at the helm was an exciting one!

Despite strong winds that made it challenging to keep the boat steady while checking nests with the mirror pole, we found plenty of encouraging signs. Many of the nests we inspected contained eggs, with most holding healthy three-egg clutches.

Even more exciting, we observed our first chick of the season at Forked Creek Platform #1, likely just a few days old. This nest was recently rebuilt by Osprey Steward Jim Brown and his neighbors after the old box began leaning and was at risk of falling into the water. It's great to see their hard work already paying off!

During our May osprey nest surveys, we had the opportunity to get both a board member and our Water Quality Manager out ...
05/27/2026

During our May osprey nest surveys, we had the opportunity to get both a board member and our Water Quality Manager out on the boat to participate in the field work with us.

Susie joined us for a very productive survey day and even got to use the mirror pole to look down into active nests and see eggs firsthand. It was a great opportunity for her to experience the process up close and gain a deeper appreciation for the work that goes into monitoring these nests each season.

Later in the month, Tessa came out to survey parts of the Whitehall sub-basin, including some of the same locations tied to ongoing water quality monitoring efforts. Seeing these areas in person and observing the differences throughout the watershed helps us better connect and interpret the data we’re collecting.

We’re happy to have them on board and out in the field with us!

We were honored to be featured on Maryland Public Television’s Direct Connection to discuss Operation Osprey’s annual ne...
05/23/2026

We were honored to be featured on Maryland Public Television’s Direct Connection to discuss Operation Osprey’s annual nest monitoring program and the growing concerns surrounding osprey nesting success throughout the Chesapeake Bay.

As part of a larger Bay-wide monitoring effort, our work in the Severn River watershed helps track nesting activity, chick survival, and long-term population trends.

Thank you to Maryland Public Television for helping shine a light on the importance of Chesapeake Bay conservation and ongoing osprey research.

Watch the full segment here: https://video.mpt.tv/video/monday-april-27-2026-qxozxt/

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