Osprey nest forces cancellation of birding event at Lake Chautauqua

The International Migratory Bird Day Event planned for May 12 at the Chautauqua National WIldlife Refuge near Havana has been canceled due to nesting osprey adjacent to the refuge auto tour loop.

The auto tour on top of the levee surrounding the refuge normally is opened for special events to allow the public unique access.

However, the osprey is listed as an endangered species by the State of Illinois, thus requiring an added level of protection.

This is the first known osprey to nest on Chautauqua National Wildlife Refuge.

The ospreys generally incubate 2 to 4 eggs, with the eggs generally hatching in 36 to 42 days.

One to three young can be expected to first leave the nest (fledge) in 50 to 55 days after hatching.

The nest may be fiercely defended by the adults, possibly striking a person if they approach the nest.

The female generally handles most of the incubation while the male brings food, nearly exclusively fish, to her on the nest.

If properly protected, this pair of birds may return to this nest for many years.

A 330-foot perimeter of the nest has been closed to provide sanctuary for the nesting pair.

For more information on the Midwest Region of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service visit http://midwest.fws.gov