Rehabilitated raptor takes flight

By SANDY LONG

An uplifting event transpired recently at the Delaware Valley Raptor Center’s (DVRC) site in Milford, PA’s Pike County Park. After receiving care from the DVRC’s Jan Lucciola for more than a year, the female “fish hawk” was returned to the wild.

Ospreys, like eagles, are primarily fish eaters. While eagles will consume dead fish, osprey prefer their fish fresh. The DVRC receives some of its fish and other food sources, such as venison, from local hunting and fishing clubs.

Ospreys feed by flying over clear waters searching for fish. When a potential meal is sighted, the bird plunges into the water, often becoming submerged, then rising from the surface with the fish in its talons. If it has been successful, the bird will adjust its catch so that the fish faces forward, thus streamlining its flight.

In the ‘50s and ‘60s, osprey populations declined dramatically due to pesticides such as DDT, which has since been banned. Today, thosepopulations are considerably healthier, though some chemical impacts remain and humans still occasionally shoot these magnificent birds.

Nearly 20 years ago, Bill and Stephanie Streeter founded the non-profit DVRC. With Lucciola’s assistance, they have rehabilitated more than 1,500 raptors and thousands of other birds. To learn how to support this work, visit the organization’s website at www.dvrconline.org, where an online membership form and a list of current needs can be accessed.

To learn more about ospreys and other birds of prey, read the raptor species profiles on the DVRC’s website, or see the birds live at these upcoming programs: Sunday, October 1, 1:00 p.m., Harvest Festival Bethel Woods (www.bethelwoodslive.org)); Saturday, October 14, 7:00 p.m., Bushkill Center, Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area (570/828-2253).