New Jersey wildlife
Osprey
Pandion haliaetus
Ospreys dive for fish in shallow bays and nest on man-made platforms.
See the Osprey up close
Best months
Mar · Apr · May · Jun · Jul · Aug
Spring arrival peaks in March-April; for best viewing, visit in early morning and check the NJ Osprey Project website.
Where to look
Barnegat Bay (Island Beach State Park)Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge (Barnegat Division)Cape May Peninsula (South Cape May Meadows)
Conservation status
Common summer resident, widely nested on platforms
Good to know
What is the best time of year to see Ospreys in Barnegat Bay?
Spring (March-May) is ideal as they arrive and begin nesting; summer also good until they migrate in fall.
Where do Ospreys nest in the Barnegat Bay area?
They nest on nesting platforms erected on poles in the marsh, often visible from the roadside or boat tours.
Make it a trip
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