In the early 20th century, the osprey was a common migrant bird found in Indiana.  It was often seen nesting along the Lake Michigan shore and near other large bodies of water.  It nested in the tops of trees, on the ground, on cliffs, power poles, or a variety of other structures.  Individuals returned to the same nest annually and defended it against intruders.  The only raptor to dive into the water after its prey, it was also a magnificent creature to watch. 

Osprey populations were devastated from 1950-1970 due to DDT, poaching, and loss of habitat.  By 1980, it was unknown if there were any breeding ospreys in the state.  This prompted officials to list the species as State Endangered in 1984.  Conservation efforts and the banning of DDT led to the slow recovery of a few nesting pairs in the 1990’s. 

In 2002, the Indiana Nongame and Endangered Wildlife Program began a plan for osprey restoration and management.  One year later, DNR biologists began releasing 75 osprey chicks into suitable habitat throughout the state.  State Wildlife Grants have helped pay for the costs of this reintroduction, including construction of nesting platforms and monitoring of released chicks.  By 2005, there were five known nesting pairs of osprey, and the populations are expected to continue to rise.           

In 2006, the Indiana Comprehensive Wildlife Strategy was completed and approved.  The osprey was still listed as one “Species of Greatest Conservation Need.”  Indiana’s Teaming with Wildlife Coalition will be vital to the continued health of this species.  Habitat must be protected, monitoring must take place, and funding must be approved.  By working together with the Indiana DNR and other constituents, we can ensure that the ospreys make a full recovery.