Birds of the Lower Ohio River Valley in West Virginia

Home | Geographical Scope | Historical Perspective | Format | Species Accounts | Hypothetical List | Acknowledgements | Literature Cited

OSPREY, EAGLES, HARRIER, ACCIPITERS, BUTEOS

Osprey  Pandion haliaetus

WINTER:  NO RECORDS.  While there are three CBC records, they are not adequately documented.

SUMMER:  Casual Visitant in June and July prior to 2004.  Rare resident since 2004.  Uncommon Migrant from early to late August.  Nesting was confirmed in 1972 at East Lynn Lake, Wayne Co., WV (Hogg 1976).  Nesting has been confirmed from 2004 through 2011 at Byrd Locks & Dam (WA, JB, MG, DP, HS).  An adult was present at a nest on the 17th St. West Bridge at Huntington, Cabell Co., WV on 25 July 2009 (GR). Two young were observed at a nest, along the Ohio river, at Apple Grove, Mason Co., WV in mid-August 2009 (MG)  See Remarks section. 

MIGRATION:

 Spring:  Uncommon Migrant from late March to early May.  Early dates, one on 15 March (WA, MG, MO, DP) and two on 23 March (GR) 2008 at Byrd Locks & Dam; one on 19 March 2005 at Beech Fork Dam (GR); one on 20 March 2007 at Lesage, Cabell Co., WV (HS); two on 20 and 21 March 2009 at Byrd Locks & Dam (WA, MG, DP); two on 24 March 2005 at Byrd Locks & Dam (HS); one on 25 March 1995 (MG) and 2006 (MG, DP) at Byrd Locks & Dam; two on 27 March 2004 at Byrd Locks & Dam (WA, JF, MG); one on 28 March 2009 at Lesage, Cabell Co., WV (HS) and four on 28 March 2010 (KK, DP, PS) at Byrd Locks & Dam; one on 30 March 1996 in Mason Co., WV (WA).  Late dates, two on 30 May 1996 at Green Bottom WMA (HS); one on 13 May 2001 at Lesage, Cabell Co., WV (HS); one on 11 May 1968 at McClintic WMA (HS).  See Remarks section for high counts. 

 Fall:  Uncommon Migrant from early September (see Summer section) to late October.  Late dates, one on 09 November 2003 at Byrd Locks & Dam (DP); one 06 November 1986 at Huntington, WV (MG); one on 04 November 2000 at Lesage, Cabell Co., WV (HS); one on 02 November 1982 at Beech Fork Dam (HS).  See Remarks section for high counts.

REMARKS:

Nesting at Byrd Locks & Dam:

2004: One nestling was confirmed on 15 June (MG, HS) and two were confirmed on 18 June (MG).  At least one fledgling was confirmed after 25 July ((JB, MG, DP, HS).  Two may have been present on 05 August (MG) and an adult was observed with two juveniles at the nest on 04 September (MG, DP).  This nest was partially built by a pair of Osprey in summer 2003 and completed by the nesting pair in spring 2004.

2005: Three nestlings were confirmed on 02 July (MG).  Two and possibly a third fledgling was confirmed on 13 July 2005 (MG).

2006: Two fledglings were confirmed on 22 July 2006 (MG, DP).

2007: Three fledglings were confirmed on 19 July 2007 (MG).

2008: Two nestlings were confirmed on 14 June( DP) and three on 28 June (MG) 2008.

2009: Two fledglings confirmed (MG).

2010: At least 2 young confirmed on 10 July 2010 (WA, MG).

Nesting at Apple Grove:

2009:  Two young on nest in mid-August (MG).

2010:  Three young on nest on 16 July (MG).

Nesting at 17th West Bridge:

2010: Adult on nest. Hatching not confirmed.

Edeburn et al. (1960) said they may nest at Cabwaylingo, but there are no documented records.  Steve Boler believed they might nest at Beech Fork Lake (Kiff et al. 1986).  Records increased in Ohio in the 1980's and successful nesting was documented in 1995 (Peterjohn 2001).  About 250 Osprey have been released and/or hacked in Ohio since 1996.  During 2002 there were 19 confirmed nests (personal communication, Ohio Division of Wildlife).

Prior to 1995 early spring arrivals occurred in early April. Since 1995 late March arrivals have been recorded.

Spring High Counts:  4 on 20 April 2001 at Lesage, Cabell Co., WV (HS) and 28 March 2010 (KK, DP, PS) at Byrd Locks & Dam.

Fall High Counts:  12 on 04 October 1988 along the Ohio River (Recorded by boat survey from Guyandotte, Cabell Co., WV and 10 miles north into Mason Co., WV)  (JF, MG).