Yes! Ospreys are known to return to the same nest each year AND mate with the same partner.
Unlike smaller birds, it’s fairly common for larger birds like ospreys, eagles, hawks, and herons to return to the same nest each year. Ospreys and eagles in particular mate for life, meaning the two birds stay together unless one partner dies.
The SWFL Eagle Love Story
You’ve probably heard of SWFL’s beloved eagle couple Harriet and Ozzie who visited the same nest in North Fort Myers from 2006 until 2015 when Ozzie passed away. After Ozzie, came Harriet’s new partner M15, who mated for eight seasons together. In February 2023, Harriet vocalized that there were nearby intruders, flew off, and never returned to the nest leaving eaglets E21 and E22 to be raised by dad, M15. Click here to read more eagle updates and view the live SWFL Eagle Cam.
Back To The Ospreys
I know, I know, you came here to read about Ospreys. I love watching Osprey birds build their nests with twigs and sticks. They line the nest with soft materials like moss, grass, and seaweed, adding new material each year to make one large, sturdy, impressive nest over time. In fact, I read that a mature osprey nest can weigh hundreds of pounds!
Why do Ospreys Return to the Same Nest?
I’m just saying… if I were a bird in SWFL, I would change nest locations every year! There are way too many amazing spots to explore and call home. Nonetheless, returning to the same nest site each year offers these birds several advantages.
For one, they become familiar with the surroundings and potential threats. They also know the best areas for gathering nest material and for hunting food. All of these factors provide a more secure and established home site for raising offspring… so I get it!
Fun Fact: Birds of Prey nests are also called “eyries.”
Want to learn more about Osprey Breeding?
The Avian Report website offers very detailed information about Osprey breeding patterns in North America.
Did you know The International Osprey Foundation (TIOF), was founded on Sanibel Island?
This non-profit started in 1981 for the protection and preservation of Ospreys worldwide. Today, 23 countries are represented by members of TIOF! Visit their website: www.ospreys.com to learn more.
Other Blogs of Interest:
Click here to read our blog Anghinas vs. Cormorants
