As spring approaches in northwest Montana, the return of ospreys signals the beginning of another breeding season in the Flathead Valley. The Flathead Audubon Society is inviting community members to help track the health of the local osprey population through its Osprey Nest Monitoring Project.
The project relies on volunteers to observe nests throughout the breeding season and collect simple data that helps researchers and conservationists better understand the birds’ success and potential risks.
Participants are asked to visit assigned nests about once a week from early April through September. During each visit, volunteers record basic observations such as the number of adult birds and nestlings present, the materials used in the nest, and weather conditions. Volunteers are also encouraged to take and share photographs.
One of the key goals of the project is to monitor the presence of synthetic materials, particularly baling twine and fishing line, that birds sometimes incorporate into their nests. These materials can pose a serious entanglement risk to young birds.
Data collected through the monitoring effort helps track the overall health of the osprey population in the valley. It also provides information that can be used to educate farmers and community members about the importance of properly disposing of baling twine and other synthetic materials that wildlife may encounter.
The monitoring season begins in early April, and Flathead Audubon is offering training opportunities for new volunteers.
An online training session will be held March 19 from 5 to 6 p.m. via Zoom. A second in-person training will take place March 27 from 6 to 7 p.m. at the Gateway Community Center, Room 26.
Those interested in volunteering or adopting a nest to monitor can contact Jess Garby at jess@flatheadaudubon.org for more information.
Photo: Megan Strickland Sacry