Natural Environment
Florida Ospreys
Osprey nests are inland and they used to travel to Sand Key to hunt, as they only eat live fish. Their nests can weigh up to 1,000 pounds and unfortunately with only softwood Australian Pines on Sand Key the Osprey did not have a substantial place to build their nest there. With the help of Sand Key County Park, Progress Energy and the Florida Wildlife Commission a nesting platform for Ospreys was installed a few years ago and is located over the pond on the south side immediately as you enter the Park.
For the last several years Ospreys have used the platform for hunting and eating, until early 2008. The Sand Key County Park now has official residents. The park prohibits fishing, however, will make an exception for their new Osprey residents. These new residents hunt, flying over the water to look for fish. They need to catch about 1-3 fish a day. We are delighted to have them!
Osprey Facts:
- Typically associated with permanent water habitats
- Eat fish almost exclusively, although sometimes frogs, birds and rodents are consumed
- Only build nests in winter to prepare for their chicks hatching in spring
- Initiate breeding in February or March and continues through May or June
- Florida Osprey stay in Florida year round and lay their eggs between December and February
- Mate for life and mated pairs come back to the same nest year after year
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