15 July 2025
As many of you know, Heidi Mc has been the spirit and eyes of the ospreys in the Northeast United States and in several other places throughout the US. Highly respected for her acute observation and now her migration ID skills, it has been a very tough year for her and those that care about our fish hawks.
This morning the second chick at Cape Henlopen passed. To see the videos please go to the Cape henlopen Osprey FB page.
Throughout this season, I have tried, albeit with limited success in some places, to get individuals to understand that if there are no fish available, the adults cannot bring food to the nests. Indeed, any fish brought to the nests in this area of the US is a lucky meal for the family. I cannot emphasise that enough. Images of Bald Eagles by private individuals, not posted online, show them taking the fish from the osprey. Every living thing that relies on Menhaden in this region is on the verge of starving. Osprey parents always try their best. Sometimes chicks are sick. When that happens and food is in short supply, the stronger chick will get fed so that one will hopefully survive.
Let’s try not to be armchair coaches. Instead, put your energy into helping solve the issue of commercial fishing that kills wildlife and raptors.
Heidi’s heart is breaking this season as she observes chick after chick die. I am grateful for her steadfastness in these deplorable times we live in. Anyone less would have thrown in the towel.
Please sign the petition to stop Omega Protein fishing – and they are not just in the NE. They also operate large ships along the US coast, including in Louisiana. Could you write to the legislators in the Virginia Assembly? May 7 is a big meeting. Thank you.
