Soaring Back!
The osprey (Pandion haliaeius), also known as a “fish hawk,” is a threatened species but is now becoming more and more visible throughout the state. The Osprey has a very distinctive appearance. You can recognize it by its dark brown body, white under parts, white head and yellow eyes. This predatory bird stands approximately 22 inches tall and has a wingspan of nearly six feet. With those wings, this bird can reach speeds of close to 40 miles per hour.
Eventhough this bird has been seen throughout Pennsylvania, recent history tells us that there have not been any breeding/nesting pairs in the center of the state for a long time, if ever. For this reason, the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers, along with the Pennsylvania Game Commission and Juniata College, coordinated a 3-year hacking project on Raystown Lake in Huntingdon, PA. Over the 3 years, a total of 18 birds will be brought to the area to fledge. A special hacking tower was constructed and the birds will be raised from that location. With a little bit of luck, the birds will return and nest around the lake.
For more information on the Osprey, go to the Pennsylvania Game Commission website.
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