Osprey Observation in Branford, CT
History of Ospreys in Branford
 Branford is afforded several wonderfully productive areas - tidal marshes teaming with fish - the solle food source of these birds. The Branford Land Trust has strived to purchase critical areas and accepted generous donations of money and land by town residents to save as much open space as possible.   Several of these productive areas have been designated appropriate areas for Osprey habitat. Here, nesting platforms have been put in place to attract these raptors. Currently, there are 25 platforms located in several tidal marsh areas - many of these platforms have been used time and time again with great success in rearing young Osprey. Many pair off utilizing the nesting platforms that are maintained by Land Trust members. The platforms have "predator guard" on the post to keep raccoons and other climbing animals who might feed on Osprey eggs or young chicks from reaching the top. DATA Offical reports have been made to the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection since 2002. chicks produced on Branford nesting platforms (some platforms cannot be reached for banding, so chicks are counted as part of the total seen. 2002 - 11 banded, 18 seen 2003 - 11 banded, 13 seen 2004 - 9 banded, 13 seen (note: two chicks died when one platform fell over when being accessed for banding purposes) 2005 - none banded, 11-13 chicks seen 2006 - 11 banded, 15-17 seen (some numbers were not verified) 2007 - 15 banded, ~20 seen (waiting for confirmation of total seen)
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