Ospreys Return

Over the past several weeks Ospreys have returned in large number to the Grand Bay NERR and other sites across south Mississippi.  While some birds overwinter in the area, most return in late winter and early spring to nest.  The Osprey has a worldwide distribution and is found in temperate and tropical regions of all continents except Antarctica. Most of our birds are thought to winter in South America.  The Reserve is one of the most consistent locations to view Osprey on the coast, as they nest on top of the high-tension power poles just north of the Resources Center.  Nearly every power pole is topped with an Osprey nest.  The nest in the dead pine tree near the entrance sign to the Reserve on Bayou Heron Road was toppled this past winter during a storm.  While the pair has returned, they apparently have moved elsewhere to nest.