ANNUAL EXHIBITION 2021
OSPREYS
Drawing of an Osprey carrying fish
circa 1975
Artist: Charles B. Ferguson
Museum Collection
The Osprey has been the symbol of the Henry L. Ferguson Museum for at least 45 years. Our logo was derived from this pen and ink drawing by Charlie Ferguson that originally featured a fish held firmly in the Osprey’s talons. In our logo, the fish was dropped.
Osprey flying near nest, Middle Farm Road
circa 1990s
Photograph by John Wilton
The Osprey population on Fishers Island (and throughout its full range) has been on the increase since the 1960s when the coordinated efforts of scientists, ornithologists and writers led to the banning of DDT in 1972.
Osprey flying above mate on nest
Photograph by Mary P. Murphy
The population rebound of the Osprey on Fishers Island is demonstrated by the increase in numbers of active nests. There were six in 1961, nine in 1995, and 21 in 2020, yielding an island record 42 fledglings in that latter year.
Electric Company
Photograph by Todd McCormack
Not all Ospreys returning to the island in mid-March after wintering in South America have as smooth a reentry into the world of potential mates and mating as this pair.
Solo Osprey above nest
Photograph by Mary P. Murphy
“A young male arriving early may find what appears to be an unoccupied nest, stake his claim and start sky dancing in hopes of attracting a mate. If the resident male returns, the young bird will likely have to move on…” Quote from House-hunting Ospreys by Rob Bierregaard, HLFM Newsletter Spring 2021.
Four Ospreys competing for Osprey Cam nest, Middle Farms
May 9, 2019, 8:14 a.m.,
Screen grab by Vicki Rafferty
In some instances young males breeding for the first time try to make off with older females who are awaiting the return of their mate. “With so many Ospreys looking for a chance to breed, there is often more than one bird trying to fill a vacancy, and the fighting often results in such turmoil that the females don’t even lay eggs.” Quote from House-hunting Ospreys by Rob Bierregaard, HLFM Newsletter Spring 2021.
Mayhem at Osprey Cam nest
May 9, 2019, 8:58 a.m.
Screen grab by Vicki Rafferty
The attempted settlement of the dispute over ownership rights to this particular nest and/or its female occupant failed utterly. “Losers in these succession struggles will have to wait another year for a chance to breed.” Quote from House-hunting Ospreys by Rob Bierregaard, HLFM Newsletter Spring 2021.
Feeding time at Money Pond
July 23, 2009, 4:26 p.m.
Photograph by Timothy J. Hallett
Despite occasional contention, the majority of nests are undisputed and occupied most years by established mates who successfully raise young ospreys.
Osprey in steep dive for fish with talons extended
Photograph by Todd McCormack
A major factor in the successful increase in Osprey population on Fishers Island and the neighboring mainland has been the recovery of forage and baitfish in the surrounding waters. With ample prey comes population stability and growth.
A successful hunt
Photograph by Todd McCormack
Solo Osprey flying home
Photograph by Mary P. Murphy
Annual exhibition sponsored by ALTUS Partners & CHUBB
