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below that necessary for a stable population. 



Although the osprey (Pandion haliaetus ) is not officially considered 

 to be an endangered species, populations are declining in many places along 

 the East Coast. Annual production to guarantee replacement for a stable 

 population has been estimated at between 0.95 and 1.30 young fledged per 

 breeding female. In only a few parts of the Bay' is this figure reached 

 every year. Despite the decline, the Bay region has the highest concentration 

 of nesting osprey in the United States - roughly estimated at 1400 pairs. 

 Reasons for the decline, where observed, seem similar to those responsible 

 for the southern bald eagle decline. All eagle and osprey nests observed 

 to be in use between 1970 and 1972 were plotted on topographic maps of 

 the Bay area. Since wildlife preservation was not the specific goal of 

 this survey, areas were not selected solely because of a nesting eagle 

 or osprey, but every consideration was taken to include nests in all areas 

 selected. 



The Delmarva fox squirrel, also known as the Bryant fox squirrel 

 ( Sciurus niger cinereus ) , is a subspecies of the more widespread eastern 

 fox squirrel. Never very abundant or widespread in its range, the 

 Delmarva fox squirrel is confined today to four eastern shore counties 

 in Maryland: Kent, Queen Anne, Talbot, and Dorchester. The population 

 apparently lies somewhere between 500 and 1000. Although protected in 

 Maryland since 1971, this species is easily confused with the more abundant 

 eastern gray squirrel ( Sciurus carolinensis ) and so many are probably 

 killed during the hunting season. Continued reduction of habitat by 

 real estate developments and cutting of the old-aged, mixed pine-hardwood 

 stands which are the prime habitat have doubtless contributed to population 



