Mid-Atlantic coast osprey population: Present numbers, productivity, pollutant contamination, and status

Journal of Wildlife Management
By: , and 

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Abstract

An estimated 233 + 16 (95% C.I.) pairs of ospreys (Pandion haliaetus) nested in coastal New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia in 1975. The present populations were considerably smaller than those reported for selected locations at the turn of the century in these four states. The New Jersey population has continued to decline during the last 25 years, although it showed some signs of improved production in 1974-75. The insecticide DDT was used intensively in New Jersey for mosquito control from about 1946 until 1966; its use in the other states was much less intensive, and of shorter duration. In a segment of the pelaware population of ospreys, production was normal and numbers increased slightly in 1970-75. Fragmentary information from Maryland suggests that the number of pairs nesting on duck blinds was about the same in 1958 and 1975. The population in coastal Virginia north of Cape Henry increased from 1970 to 1975. DDE residues in osprey eggs were highest in the areas showing the greatest population declines and the lowest production rates.
Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Mid-Atlantic coast osprey population: Present numbers, productivity, pollutant contamination, and status
Series title Journal of Wildlife Management
Volume 41
Issue 2
Year Published 1977
Language English
Contributing office(s) Patuxent Wildlife Research Center
Description 254-265
Larger Work Type Article
Larger Work Subtype Journal Article
Larger Work Title Journal of Wildlife Management
First page 254
Last page 265
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