Ospreys : The Revival of a Global Raptor

Ospreys are one of the few bird species that are found throughout the world. From forests in Hokkaido to rivers in Oregon and islands off Australia, Ospreys steal the show as nature lovers easily watch them build their massive nests and tend to their young. The fact that the Osprey is one of the few large birds that can hover adds to its mystique, and to watch it plunge into the water, emerging with a fish clutched in its talons, is truly a sight one will remember.

As widespread as Ospreys are, not long ago they were under threat of extinction. During the 1950s and ’60s, scientists tied the decline of Osprey populations to the heavy use of DDT and other human pollutants. In the 1980s, Ospreys began a slow recovery due to the efforts of conservationists and through the resilience of the adaptable raptors themselves.

Today they are again considered common in most parts of the world, although some populations remain threatened. In this gorgeously illustrated book, Alan F. Poole, one of America’s premier Osprey experts, has written a lyrical expose of these majestic creatures, describing their daily habits and exploring their relationship with the environment.

Ospreys celebrates the species’ miraculous recovery from contaminants and hunters, chronicles their spectacular long-distance migrations, and unveils their vital role in bringing life to coastal habitats. Few other birds have such a hold on the human imagination. This book shows us why.

Review:

A must have for those with a serious interest in Ospreys.

— Ian Paulsen * Birdbooker Report *

[Poole’s] excellent book is easy reading and very informative. It is also full of great color photographs and informative maps. I recommend it to anyone interested in these fascinating birds.

— Fritz H. Brock * Wildlife Activist *

No other book contains as much information from everywhere within the bird’s almost uniquely global range . . . [Ospreys: The Revival of a Global Raptor] is a very well-written, clear and enjoyable account of a bird that has almost universal popularity in the modern world . . . I recommend it strongly.

— Ian Francis * Scottish Birds *

With such a cosmopolitan species and the breadth of topics he touches upon, Poole has done an admirable job constructing a cohesive narrative . . . Poole’s very readable prose makes it accessible for the layperson despite the quantity of information presented . . . I thoroughly enjoyed reading [Ospreys: The Revival of a Global Raptor] and would highly recommend it to both novice naturalist and experienced birder alike.

— Robert F. Foster * The Canadian Field-Naturalist *

Most people with any interest in natural history (and quite a few who claim no interest) know the story of the Osprey, and all of them would enjoy reading-and learn much-from this lavishly illustrated book . . . Poole’s enthusiasm shines through, and the geographic breadth of the information he brings together is impressive.

— Michael Scott * Conservation Biology *

Contents:

Preface

1 Introduction: This Famed Bird
2 A Hawk That Fishes
3 The Geography of Ospreys
4 Finding Food
5 At the Nest
6 On the Wing: Incredible Journeys
7 Threats and Solutions
8 Looking Ahead

Bibliography
Index

Author Biography:

Alan F. Poole, an associate at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, is the former editor of the Birds of North America life history series. He has been studying New England Ospreys for over 35 years.