Efforts are now underway in central Illinois to rebuild the osprey population. The Massachusetts Audubon Society has teamed up with the State of Illinois to increase the number of these large raptors. The osprey was once listed on Illinois’ endangered list but is now considered threatened rather than endangered.
According to UIS Associate Professor Tih-Fen Ting, osprey eggs from the south coast of Massachusetts were brought to central Illinois. Once they hatched, conservationists took them to the Illinois Raptor Center for blood work, measurements, and banding.
Ting explained that they have been trying to establish self-sustaining breeding populations of osprey in Illinois using a technique called hacking. Hacking is a method of reintroducing raptors into the wild. This technique involves collecting and moving the chicks from the wild to nests in the areas where they are intended to be released.
Specifically, Ting mentioned that there are two locations where hacking has been conducted: Banner Marsh along the Illinois River and Lake Shelbyville. A total of 12 ospreys were released, with six at Banner Marsh and six at Lake Shelbyville.
The conservation efforts have shown promise, as these initiatives aim to create a stable and self-sustaining osprey population in Illinois. By working together, the Massachusetts Audubon Society and Illinois conservationists are making significant strides in preserving and protecting these majestic birds.
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This collaborative project highlights the importance of interstate cooperation in wildlife conservation. The release of the ospreys marks a significant step forward in the efforts to restore the osprey population in Illinois. Through these dedicated efforts, the hope is that ospreys will continue to thrive and eventually become a common sight in the state once again.
