Folks, meet Danny. Danny is a very special Osprey because he is Jack & Wendy’s first offspring. Ever. You might remember Jack & Wendy, the very dysfunctional Osprey couple from earlier this spring:
Somehow though, Jack managed to pull it together in time and the couple have successfully turned their house into a real home for the first time ever with the addition of their first offspring: Danny.
Being such a special fish-mangling monster, Danny was smartly chosen to join a very elite group of Osprey on Barnegat Bay, and to become part of Project Red Band. Danny has been outfitted with a bright red auxiliary band, “76 C.” This distinctive, easy-to-read band will enable more sightings of Danny around LBI, on migrations, and throughout his entire fish-mangling life.
Danny should fledge and leave the nest by August, hanging around the North End of LBI until fall when he begins his epic migration to South America. So pack those binoculars whenever you head to the beach, and if you happen to see one of LBI’s very special Red Banded Osprey, be sure to report it. Become a Citizen Hero and join the effort to conserve our local animals. All from the comfort of your deck or beach chair.
Wanna’ know what I love best about Project Red Band? That it allows us to see LBI’s Osprey as unique individuals, as opposed to some vague population. The Osprey may not be our friends, but they are our neighbors. It matters who they are, and it matters where they live. And who doesn’t like keeping an eye on what their neighbors are up to?
Follow along at the NJ Osprey Project Facebook to keep tabs on our Red Banders.
