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we came to losing both species. Back in the 1970s, there was only one Bald Eagle nesting pair left in New Jersey. Ospreys weren’t doing much better, with nest numbers hovering around 50. The culprit? Widespread use of DDT, the pesticide that poisoned the food chain and caused eggshells to thin and crack before chicks could hatch. The road to recovery began when DDT was banned in 1972. Scientists stepped in with everything from artificial incubation to cross-state Eagle adoptions and innovative nest-platform projects for Ospreys. The work was painstaking and took decades, but it ultimately paid off. By 2012, the number of active Bald Eagle nests in New Jersey surpassed 100. By 2024? There were a record-breaking 293 nesting pairs, 264 of which laid eggs. Ospreys, too, made a remarkable return, with an impressive 800 occupied nests recorded last year. Thanks to these recoveries, both birds have been removed from New Jersey’s endangered species list. Bald Eagles are now categorized as “special concern,” and Ospreys are considered “stable.” Still, both species remain under close observation to ensure their populations continue to thrive. A SPRING LAKE SIGHT TO BEHOLD Back here at home, it’s hard not to feel inspired watching these birds reclaim the skies above our coastline. The Eagle soaring over the Spring Lake Golf Club or the Osprey diving near Wreck Pond or Lake Como aren’t completely rare sightings anymore. Still, they’re not experiences that should be taken for granted. They’re a quiet reminder that without people caring enough to protect them, we might have lost them for good. So next time you’re out walking around the lake or teeing off at the Golf Club, look up. You might just see the nation’s emblem gliding above or a fish hawk cartwheeling through the air, fresh catch in tow. And if you do, give them a moment of your attention. After all, it took us more than 40 years to bring them back.
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RAPTOR FAST FACTS
1. Double Vision: A Bald Eagle’s eyes can spot prey from up to two miles away. Their vision is estimated to be 4–5 times better than a human’s. 2. Nature’s Pickpocket: Bald Eagles are kleptoparasites meaning they steal fish from Ospreys by chasing, harassing, or dive-bombing them mid-air. 3. Reversible Toe: Ospreys have a reversible outer toe, which is perfect for holding slippery fish. This unique toe arrangement is called zygodactyly. 4. Nose Plug & Goggles: Ospreys have a special adaptation allowing them to close their nostrils to keep water out. They also have clear eyelids they draw over their eyes like a pair of goggles which allows them to maintain clear sight and find their prey during underwater dives. 5. Talon Lock: Bald Eagles’ talons can lock into place, allowing them to carry prey for long distances without straining their muscles. 6. High Flyers: Bald Eagles can soar at altitudes of 10,000 feet and reach speeds of 35–40 mph in level flight and over 100 mph in a dive. 7. Sky Nests: Bald Eagle nests called “eyries” are the largest of any bird in North America. Some span over 8 feet wide and weigh a literal ton. Ospreys generally build nests about 3-6 feet in diameter. 8. Long Lives: In the wild, Bald Eagles can live 20–30 years. Ospreys tend to live slightly shorter lives, around 15–20 years. 9. Similar But Different: Bald eagles are larger than Ospreys. Adult Eagles have a clean white tail and dark body, and Ospreys have a banded tail and a white body. 10. International Flyer: The Osprey is one of the most widespread birds of prey on Earth. They are found on every continent except Antarctica.
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Thank you to Michael Scotto for all photos in this article
Extra thanks to Michael Scotto for capturing these photos.
12 July 2025
Stroll Spring Lake 13
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