Observations on Ospreys Pandion haliaetus Breeding on the Lower North Coast of New South Wales

Abstract

A pair of Ospreys Pandion haliaetus breeding near Forster, N.S.W., was observed over a seven-year period (1984-1990). The birds arrived and occupied the nest in March or April, built or repaired the nest from March to May or June, and laid from May to July. Nestlings were present from July to November, and fledglings continued to live in the nest area until early December. Incubation lasted approximately 34 days in one instance, and the nestling period appeared to last between 67 and 80+ days in three instances. The pair reared an average of one nestling per year (range 0-2). The breeding diet consisted entirely of fish.