Recent studies on Maryland osprey populations suggest a disturbing decline in nesting success is occurring in the Patuxent, Chester, and Choptank Rivers. Friends of Eastern Neck and Wings of Spring have organized a series of speakers to address this issue and discuss possible measures to reverse this trend.
Our symposium starts off with our keynote speaker Dr. AlanPoole, a retired Osprey researcher from Cornell Lab of Ornithology and author of “Ospreys: The Revival of a Global Raptor”. Dr. Poole will present the life history of ospreys, their international distribution, and the historical efforts that brought this species back from near devastation due to DDT contamination.
Mr. Greg Kearns Naturalist /Biologist from MD-National Park and Capital Park and Planning Commission and Patuxent River Park in Prince George’s County will present 40 years of osprey research on the Patuxent River where significant declines in nesting success has recently been documented.
Dr. Dave Kramer from Washington College and Dr. Barnett Rattner from US Geological Survey will present their findings on osprey nest monitoring on the Chester and Choptank rivers.
Finally, Mr. Montgomery Deihl, CEO of Ocean Harvesters, will provide a comprehensive overview of the company, its history, and its operations. Monty will discuss the science surrounding the Atlantic menhaden fishery, as well has the regulatory bodies who oversee it.
The symposium will be held April 25th, at Mainstay, Rock Hall’s music venue, located on Main Street starting at 9:30 am. The event is free and all are welcome to attend. After the talks there will be a question-and-answer session with all the presenters.