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Article Review: “Ospreys May Be in Trouble Again”, Article by Glenda C. Booth

Photo: By Glenda Booth, Osprey and their young at the Belle Haven Marina platform nest on June 18, 2025. 

This complete article by Glenda C. Booth appeared in the July 17th edition of the Alexandria Gazette Packet:                       https://www.alexandriagazette.com/news/2025/jul/17/ospreys-may-be-in-trouble-again/

Glenda C. Booth’s article, “Ospreys in Northern Virginia,” is a well-crafted and engaging piece that combines local wildlife reporting with broader environmental concerns. Ms. Booth effectively relates scientific insights and on-the-ground observations from concerned community members to illustrate the troubling decline in osprey populations across Northern Virginia.  She describes the breeding observations at nesting sites like Dyke Marsh and Porto Vecchio. She also mentions potential stressors to breeding success —such as fish shortages, climate change, habitat loss, and commercial menhaden harvesting. The article makes complex ecological issues understandable. Ms. Booth’s article is informative and timely. It surely raises awareness about the challenges ospreys face and the broader environmental implications behind their struggles.

Ospreys in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed with Joanie Millward, March 11th

 

PHOTO: Osprey, Doug German/Audubon Photography Awards

Tuesday, March 11, 2025
7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Virtual
 FREE

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Ospreys are a fish-eating bird of prey that can be found all over the world. Did you know that the osprey is one of the greatest environmental success stories? Osprey numbers crashed in the early 1950s to 1970s, when pesticides poisoned the birds and thinned their eggshells. Along the coast between New York City and Boston, for example, about 90% of breeding pairs disappeared. Osprey studies provided key support for wider legal arguments against the use of persistent pesticides. Learn more about their history, the challenges this species faces today in the Chesapeake Watershed and how you can help.

Joanie Millward is the founder and Executive Director of the Virginia Osprey Foundation. The Virginia Osprey Foundation based in Colonial Beach, VA is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization dedicated to the conservation, protection, and stewardship of the majestic Osprey species and their fragile habitats throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia. Virginia Osprey Foundation’s mission is to foster a sustainable environment where Ospreys thrive, inspiring a harmonious coexistence between humans and wildlife.