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Posted by Tim Dellinger on 10:47:11 04/07/14
I am a biologist with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) studying the genetics of southern coastal osprey. Specifically, the goal of our study is to evaluate the taxonomic status of the southern coastal osprey population using population genetic methods and make recommendations regarding whether to include it on the state s Imperiled Species list. In FWC s Biological Status Review for southern coastal osprey, experts suggested the osprey population in Monroe, and possibly Miami-Dade, Collier, and Lee counties, may be taxonomically affiliated with the Caribbean subspecies Pandion haliaetus ridgwayi, instead of the North America subspecies, P. h. carolinensis.
We are contacting TAS to request help in locating active osprey nests. Preferably nests that can be accessed by a climber or bucket truck. At the nest we pluck 5-8 contour feathers from 6-week old chicks (they are not removed from the nest) and send them to our research partners at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, VA for the genetic analyses. The chicks are not harmed during this process.
If you would like to report an active nest, please send the information to our biologist in that area, Andy Day (Andrew.Day@MyFWC.com).
Any help is much appreciated!
Tim Dellinger
Avian Research
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
(352) 742-2784
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