JoCo conservationists reflect on record nesting year for osprey

**Johnson County Conservation Specialists Celebrate Record Year for Ospreys in Iowa**

Conservation specialists in Johnson County are reflecting on a landmark achievement in 2025, setting a state record by identifying 70 osprey nests and at least 58 young ospreys. Known commonly as the “fish hawk,” the osprey is a large fish-eating bird of prey that had not successfully nested in Iowa since colonial times.

According to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR), efforts to reintroduce ospreys began in 1997. At that time, no successful osprey nests had been documented in the state for decades. Of the 70 nests documented in 2025, 30 were confirmed to have produced young ospreys. This marks a significant increase from only 44 reported nests in 2021.

### History of Osprey Decline and Restoration

Osprey populations, along with other raptors like peregrine falcons and bald eagles, declined sharply across North America during the 1950s. The widespread use of DDT, a pesticide aimed at repelling insects, was a major factor in this decline. DDT was officially banned in the United States in 1972, paving the way for raptor population recoveries.

The Iowa osprey restoration program involved transporting young birds from Minnesota and Wisconsin to locations across Iowa, including the Coralville Reservoir and Saylorville Reservoir. The last releases occurred in 2016, with the DNR continuing active nest monitoring to maintain a steady osprey population.

### Collaborative Conservation Efforts

David Conrads, director of the Iowa Raptor Project at the University of Iowa College of Education, highlighted the university’s collaborative relationship with the DNR since the restoration program’s inception. The Iowa Raptor Project assisted in building and operating the Macbride Nature Recreation Area Hack Tower—a tall release structure that provided shelter and food, helping young ospreys transition to the wild.

Conrads remarked, “It’s great news to go from zero to that number in basically 28 years. It’s pretty remarkable.” He noted similar population rebounds in other birds of prey after the ban of DDT and the introduction of the Endangered Species Act.

### Importance of Ospreys as Indicator Species

According to the Animal Diversity Web, a scientific database maintained by the University of Michigan, ospreys serve as an indicator species. This means their presence and health reflect the overall environmental quality of the areas they inhabit—offering valuable insight into Iowa’s natural ecosystems.

### Favorable Habitats and Nesting Preferences

Riggs Wilson, a DNR wildlife research specialist and contributor to the osprey report, explained that the record number of nests results not only from population growth but also from enhanced nest reporting by dedicated volunteers.

Ospreys are most commonly found clustered in three main regions of Iowa: the Iowa City to Waterloo corridor, the Des Moines metro area, and around Spirit Lake. Wilson pointed out, “These clusters tend to be near abundant water resources, which ospreys rely on for foraging since they eat mostly fish.”

The birds also prefer nesting on tall structures, making cellular towers ideal nesting sites. Johnson County Conservation Director Brad Freidhof often spots osprey nests on a cellular tower near Coralville’s Costco.

### Climate Change and Osprey Populations

Freidhof believes climate change may be influencing the increase in birds of prey populations in northern states like Iowa. “As temperatures warm further north, we see that population growth. We’ve seen that with pelicans expanding northward in Iowa and other wildlife species,” he said.

He emphasized that Johnson County’s ample bodies of water, such as Coralville Lake, the Iowa River, Lake MacBride, and many others, provide ideal habitats for ospreys to fish and thrive.

### Continued Conservation Efforts in Johnson County

The Johnson County Conservation Board remains committed to protecting riparian habitats that support diverse wildlife, including ospreys. Freidhof highlighted ongoing projects funded by the 2024 Conservation Bond—a $30 million fund dedicated to natural resource projects in Iowa.

“We’re focusing on building corridors along rivers and streams to enhance habitats that osprey and other wildlife historically used,” Freidhof said.

### Looking Ahead: Challenges and Hope for Ospreys

While 2025 marks a historic year for ospreys, Conrads cautioned that the population’s future is not guaranteed. “It can change overnight with things we haven’t even dreamed of—new chemicals, diseases like highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPA), or other threats—it’s hard to predict,” he said.

Wilson expressed optimism that improved nest reporting and ongoing conservation will allow the osprey population to continue growing. “It’s really good to see a successful restoration effort. It’s pretty neat to witness everyone’s hard work come to fruition,” he said.

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**RELATED:** [Latest JoCo Conservation Bond projects underway]

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*For more updates on Iowa’s wildlife and conservation efforts, stay tuned to Johnson County Conservation and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.*
https://dailyiowan.com/2026/02/03/joco-conservationists-reflect-on-record-nesting-year-for-osprey/

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