C-18 



(1969), etc. In Maryland, Hickey and Anderson (1968) reported 2.0 

 to 2.8% decrease in egg shell weights. This is resulting in egg 

 breakage and embryonic death. 



3. Losses to osprey eggs and young by predators such as 

 raccoons and rats. 



4. Destruction of nests and nestlings by high tides, waves 

 and winds . 



5. Destruction of nests by U. S. Coast Guard personnel when 

 they are found on top of lighted navigational markers. For example, 

 43 nests were removed in Talbot Co., between 1963-1969, (Reese, 1970) 

 and maybe as high as 15 nests/year in the central Chesapeake Bay 

 region (Reese, 1965). 



6. Increased use of boats and disturbances around osprey nest 

 sites. 



Protective Measures Taken or Proposed : 



1. Artificial nesting platforms have been erected and main- 

 tained annually to enhance osprey nesting success. Reese (1970) 

 erected 133 platforms between 1964 and 1969 in Talbot Co.; and a 

 total of 72 nests platforms have been erected in Martin National 

 Wildlife Refuge. These have shown a high degree of occupancy; for 

 example, a total of 59 nests were active on the 72 structures 

 between 1968 and 1971 (Rhodes, 1972). Production tripled since 

 artificial nest structures were started in 1968, up to 1971. 



2. Coast Guard directive against removing osprey nests from 

 navigational aids was issued by Admiral Bullock. It covers Coast 

 Guard personnel and activities in Maryland, Virginia, North 

 Carolina and part of New Jersey. Nests may not be touched during 

 breeding season but may be removed afterwards if interfering with 

 navigational aids. 



3. Dr. Byrd and students are putting up signs around marinas 

 and fishing sites asking boaters and fishermen not to tie up next 

 to osprey nests because this may drive off parents and cause death 

 of eggs or young. 



4. Continued research on effects of pesticides on osprey 

 reproduction such as presently being carried out at Patuxent Wild- 

 life Research Center, and other research centers. 



5. Continued continental censusing and evaluation of populations, 

 plus continued surveillance of Chesapeake Bay populations. 



