Ospreys are making a comeback in NSW
Carmen Welss

Photo: Peter Ekert

Osprey numbers in NSW are rising again. A statewide survey, which was funded by the Foundation for National Parks & Wildlife, found 118 active nests; more than double that recorded in a previous survey in the early 1990s.

The findings of the survey, which involved local communities across the state’s North Coast, are good news for the vulnerable fishing hawk. Its population size had been reduced to a critical level with only 10 pairs known in NSW in 1980.

Flying high with a little help from local communities

At the beginning of the last breeding season the Foundation called on the public on the NSW North Coast and Central Coast to help identify Osprey nests and determine the current status of the species in NSW.

Thanks to hundreds of reports from the community, 118 active nests were confirmed. Nests are typically located in large dead trees in coastal areas, with specially built nesting poles also used in some areas. More unusual nest sites include a bridge, a fixed pontoon in a lagoon, and the ground on an offshore island.

Osprey nest in typical location high up in a dead tree. Photo: Peter Ekert

Good news like this shows once again that not all is lost for our threatened wildlife. It encourages the Foundation’s staff, volunteers and donors to keep faith, and with support from the public we can turn the tide of extinction.

On the right track

The survey data will be the basis of a recovery plan for the Osprey in NSW.

One reason more nests were found in this survey is that people are now more aware of Ospreys, and there are easy ways in which everyone can help to keep them safe.

• Report any new Osprey nests to the Department of Environment and Conservation
• Protect current nest sites and potential future nest sites (large trees on prominent locations within 2 kilometres of coastal waters) from destruction or disturbance
• Dispose of discarded fishing line and other refuse that might entangle wildlife carefully

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