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This spring I noticed that Osprey were missing from where I live in North Key Largo. Absent were their short mellow whistling calls and all of the Osprey platforms in the mangroves and natural areas lie empty. Golfers were noticing the nesting poles on the three golf courses were also abandoned. Birders concurred that our local Osprey were indeed absent.  An Osprey surveys the Florida Keys backcountry for its next meal. Catfish, mullet and ladyfish are its favorite foods found in the shallow waters of Florida Bay. Inquiring minds want to know! My quest to find an answer led to many “round-about” theories, but no idea as to why our resident Osprey were missing. In the 1960’s Osprey were listed as a threatened species, in decline due to the use of the pesticide DDT, which was banned in 1972. Osprey rebounded and were removed from threatened status in 2009. Currently, the overall Osprey population are doing well.  An Osprey perched in a nest on a remote mangrove island in Florida Bay. Osprey in the Keys tend to stay here year-round, though we do get some wintering migrants from the north. Their recent absence could just be due to seasonal change, when Osprey northerners (like snowbirds) have started to leave this area to head to their northern nesting grounds. Another possibility is some of our locals journeyed into Central/South America and may just not have made it back yet. Maybe something is sending them away? Could there be predation on the nest or food scarcity? Are raccoon, iguana or python, preying on their nests or competing for food? Osprey rarely eat anything other than live fish, and I wasn’t aware of any issues regarding lack of fish. Catfish, mullet and ladyfish are favorite foods found in the shallow waters of Florida Bay. Based on research concerning mercury levels in waterways, which, given Monroe County's predisposition for higher concentrations, could mercury be affecting behavior or breeding success? We have had drought for the past two years? All possibilities, but only speculation on my part. The most inspiring news came from Erin Allison, Executive Director of Florida Keys Wild Bird Rehabilitation Center (FKWBC), who reported admissions were up at FKWBC, where four Osprey fledglings were in her care. Erin reported “one was orphaned, two fell from nest, and one due to emaciation. All young-uns.” She quipped “perhaps we weren’t seeing any because they were all in her care!” Her patients were most likely our local birds just learning how to be Osprey. At FKWBC birds are checked for injuries such as broken bones and bruises and treated for emaciation, mites and internal parasites. When ready, the birds are put into a large L-shaped flight enclosure, where they can learn how to fly, circle, perch and get their stamina up before release. After about 6 weeks in rehabilitation, two of the fledgling Osprey were set to be released back into the wild, and I was fortunate to witness the releases.  Bayleigh MacHaffie, Operations Director at FKWBC, toss released the Osprey in front of a crowd of supporters at the Caribbean Club.   The first release was from the dock behind the Caribbean Club during “Happy Hour.” The FKWBC releases birds from the “Club” in order to bring attention to their mission. The dock leads out toward the bay, surrounding mangrove islands and shallow fishing grounds. Bayleigh MacHaffie, Operations Director at FKWBC, toss released the Osprey. It flew away from land, and soon made a dive into the water. An Osprey has keen eyesight, and can see neutral colored fish from 300 ft. high in the air. They dive with wings half closed, and instantly grab their prey with their long talons, and moments later shake the water from it's wings and emerge up into the air again, heading off to it's nest where the fish will be consumed This released Osprey did not emerge from the water right away. A few tense moments ensued. Some onlookers called for action to rescue the bird, The FKWBC assured nervous observers that this is what “fish hawk” do. After a short while the bird was retrieved. “Mr. Osprey crash landed, got water logged, and we took him to a beach so he could dry off and he flew off beautifully on his own,” Erin explained. The second release took place the following day on a secluded beach inside Pennekamp State Park. Present were friends of the park and park rangers, including Joshua Wenkert Lane, who found the fledgling Osprey wandering around on the ground near Pennekamp Marina. The bird did not have the flight capabilities to return to the nest, and it was too risky to leave the bird on the ground.  Joshua Wenkert Lane, who found the fledgling Osprey wandering around on the ground near Pennekamp Marina, opened the door for the walk-out release.    “Penne” is released at Pennekamp Park, and heads off toward a happier tomorrow... hopefully to raise chicks of its own. Sara Read, Education and Outreach Coordinator at FKWBC explained, “Fledging is a natural part of a birds life cycle, so there is a period of time where there is an awkward guy hopping around on the ground figuring out how to fly. If it is in a very populated area like John Pennekamp that is where we run into issues, when human interference can play a role, and potentially injure the bird. The release was described as a “walk-out” where Lane opened the carrier door, and the bird named “Penne” walked through the opening, and flew away to a happier tomorrow.
Both releases were beautiful, hopeful occasions made possible by the professionals who care for injured and orphaned wild birds and the donors who support their mission.
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At a recent “Luck of the Irish” event at Ocean Reef, two very lucky rehabilitated Red Shouldered Hawks (Buteo lineatus) were featured as they were returned to the wild by the Florida Keys Wild Bird Center (FKWBC), who made the rescue and eventual release possible.  Red Shouldered Hawk in Transport Cage. Bayleigh MacHaffie, FKWBC Operations Director with the first of two hawks set to be released to the wild on this day. The release. took place in a relatively natural area, from a dock close to the mangroves. Before the release Erin Allison, Executive Director of the FKWBC, gave a brief history of both hawks. One had been at the center for nearly five months, being treated for damaged feathers, head trauma, a yeast infection and conditioning for flight. The second hawk came in about two months ago after a suspected car hit. It had severe head trauma, couldn’t stand and exhibited neurological symptoms. The initial head swelling was quick to resolve, but it took about a month to regain its ability to fly.  “Ready to Go!" Reluctant at first, the hawk had to figure out what was happening. Then within seconds it flew off toward the mangroves.  Ready - Set - Not so Fast! The first hawk was slow to figure out what was happening, but within seconds it flew out like a dart! The second hawk was to be “toss-released” - where the bird is taken out of the enclosure and tossed into the sky. But the hawk had other ideas, as it unexpectedly flew out between the legs of Bayleigh MacHaffie, Operations Director. Both releases were celebrated by oohs, aahs and applause from the crowd of approximately 40 persons.  Nearly 40 onlookers of all ages came out to witness the release, learn about the injuries and rehabilitation of the two hawks. The Florida Keys Wild Bird Center’s mission is to rescue, rehabilitate and release injured or orphaned birds. “Keep Them Flying” is the motto of the FKWBC and their mission is to rescue, rehabilitate and release wild birds. Their bird sanctuary in Tavernier (93600 Overseas Highway) is open to the public Monday to Sunday, from sunrise to sunset. It is a beautiful spot in a mangrove forest, where visitors may walk on a boardwalk and view 40 non-releasable birds— those that due to their condition cannot safely return to nature.  The second hawk was “On a Mission!.” Though a “toss-release” - where the bird is taken out of the enclosure and tossed into the sky - was planned, the hawk unexpectedly flew out between Bayleigh’s legs. These hawks got a second chance… others are not so lucky. Habitat loss, scarcity of food and places to raise their young, and dangerous obstacles take a terrible toll on bird populations. According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) as of 2017 top causes of bird mortality: collision with building glass (600 million), collision with vehicles (215 million), poison (72 million), collision with electrical lines (25.5 million), collision with communication towers (6.6 million), electrocutions (5.6 million) and cats (2.4 billion). If you find an orphaned or injured bird, what should you do? The first thing is to call the FKWBC. Bird Emergency Hotline (305) 852 - 4486 ext. 1 They will guide you on the phone, and walk you through the situation. The best thing to do is to safely contain an injured bird with a towel or a blanket, place it inside a warm dark crate or box, and bring it to the FKWBC. If the bird is on the road in an unsafe place such as a bridge, the FKWBC works with local law enforcement to make sure everyone involved is safe. The FKWBC admits birds into their hospital 24/7 and have a staff member on call to respond to new intakes after hours. There is an after hours drop box (Sunset to Sunrise) at the hospital so anyone can bring in a bird at any time. Instructions are to text/call the FKWBC once you’ve dropped off the bird, and they will respond immediately to intake and start treatment.  Red Shouldered Hawk perched in the sun just outside a tree filled area in my yard. Below are photos showing a rescue that occurred in April 2016. If the finder is unable to contain the bird, they ask you to keep eyes on the bird until they can get there to rescue the bird. Every situation is unique, but they do what is best for the bird. If someone has a contained bird from Ocean Reef, the FKWBC will meet at the front gate or at the Circle K in Key Largo. They also work with Everglades Outpost in Homestead, who has a drop off spot for injured birds found on the mainland. In 2016 I witnessed the rescue of a baby Red Shouldered hawk who fell out of its nest high in a mature Gumbo Limbo tree in my neighbors yard. The FKWBC responded, and enlisted the help of the Florida Keys Electric Coop (FKEC). Once the bird was checked out, and found uninjured, the FKEC worker in the bucket truck returned the bird to its nest.  A cooperative effort. The Florida Keys Electric Coop (FKEC) and the Wild Bird Center team up on a rescue. Bernie Lietaert (no longer with FKEC), Isaiah Leake, two FKWBC employees/interns, Sara Hamilton, Lance Good (no longer with FKEC), and FKEC Right of Way Crew Leader Marcus Martin. Here we are in 2025. Red Shouldered hawks are frequently seen in my yard, however the hawk nest in the Gumbo Limbo tree next door … it’s gone. The homeowner took down the trees, preferring a grass lawn instead. It is curious that we hear a lot about the loss of tropical forests in countries far from our shores, but remember… the Florida Keys is also a unique habitat with tropical forests… located right here which also needs our protection. We must preserve native habitat, and rehabilitate our developed spaces with wild-life friendly plants wherever possible.  The rescue effort made possible utilizing the FKEC bucket truck. The man in the bucket is Isaiah Leake. There are simply not enough native plants left in the “wild”… that is, not enough undisturbed habitat remaining in the Florida Keys, to support the diversity of wildlife we would like to see survive. A healthy earth full of a diversity of species takes more than luck. It takes people, dedication and effort. We are lucky to have the FKWBC in our community.  A baby Red Shouldered Hawk sits beside its parent after being rescued from it’s fall to the ground. The more I write about nature, the more people identify me with the subject. Every week, I get texts and emails with pictures, links to articles and sometimes even a call to get out here NOW… there’s a huge flock of birds at the three way… referring to the intersection of Card Sound Road at Crocodile Lake in North Key Largo. From Ocean Reef, as you turn north on Card Sound Road, it is the first wetland to the right, and is a productive birding spot.  A huge congregation of wading birds on a cold overcast morning in Crocodile Lake. Photo by Jeanette Rivera. Such was the case on January 31st, about 8:00 am on a really cold morning with overcast sky when I received a call from Jeanette Rivera, naturalist at Ocean Reef, who was heading to work when she spotted a huge congregation of wading birds. She snapped a photo with her iPhone and in it were White Ibis, Great Egret, Cattle Egret, Roseate Spoonbill, White Pelican, Great White Heron, Reddish Egret and Wood Stork. It was just beautiful. Rivera said, “I was in shock that there were so many birds in that one spot! It was really magical… special…I love it!” As you can tell, Jeanette is very passionate about nature. Of the birds present on this morning, the Roseate Spoonbill, Wood Stork, White Pelican, and Great White Heron were a special treat, as they are most typically seen flying overhead, but on this day they were all here! According to Isabella Collamati, Invasive Species Biologist at Crocodile Lake National Wildlife Refuge, ‘time of day, time of year, temperature, and tide would probably be the biggest factors for why they chose to gather that day. It all lined up so that the water was deep enough to host enough prey to keep all parties interested, but shallow enough to make the hunting easier.” The birds diet consists of minnows, mullet, and killifish, and they are pickier about size than species.  Observe how the Reddish Egret hunts. They do a “Crazy Dance” using their wings to shade the water for a better view and then give chase until they can strike their prey. Reddish Egrets differ from other egret species, that simply stand and wait for food to come before they strike.     By the time I arrived, some of the birds had already left, but there were still dozens of birds. I had fun photographing the Reddish Egret and it’s distinctive hunting behavior. As it searched for fish, it would do a “crazy dance” as it jumped and hopped back and forth with outstretch wings raised over its head, peering at the water. The wings cast a shadow so they can see the prey better. The Reddish Egret is also one of the rare egrets, with only 2,000 pairs thought to be breeding in the U.S. A Roseate Spoonbill sat grooming on a red mangrove perch. Not sure it was there because the tide had risen and it’s short legs were no longer able to maneuver in the deepening wetland. Spoonbills have the broadened bill-ends full of nerve-endings, to feel for animals when mud-grubbing.  Spoonbills have the broadened bill-ends full of nerve-endings, to feel for animals when mud-grubbing.  Show me a little pink, peach and fuscia you pretty Rosie. Though not a wading bird, I saw a Belted Kingfisher hunting near this shallow wetland. The Kingfisher can regularly be seen perched on the power lines along Card Sound Road. Winter and Spring is nesting season for these birds, though I am not sure where these particular birds were from. Historically wading birds nested in the small Keys and nearby mangrove islands, within Florida Bay, far from human disturbances. The Everglades supports 70-90% of all wading bird nests annually. Wading birds initiated approx 89,514 nests in the Everglades in 2021. The wading bird nesting in 2021 was the highest recorded in 80 years.  The Kingfisher often perches along Card Sound Road. Their “mohawk” style feathers on their head give the kingfisher an air of confidence. Nesting success is highly dependent on the availability of fish and waters shallow enough to concentrate the fish, and water just the right level for the birds to wade in. Wading birds are abandoning their traditional nesting grounds in Florida Bay, and are moving north, partly due to increased salinity and the resulting reduction of species of fish that thrive in brackish water. Salinity of the Florida Bay is a problem, and the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP) is intended to divert more fresh water through Taylor Slough to Florida Bay to improve the bay's health by reducing salinity. On the mainland Everglades, Madeira Hammock and Paurotis Pond, are locations with a reliable amount of birds and also a short field-trip from the Keys. It is very special living near designated wildlife refuges and national parks, but birds cannot read, and can easily settle in parks and gardens with suitable conditions. Or even can be seen flying overhead… This story was told to me by an avid tennis player Pat Holbrook, about a situation that occurred in mid-serve, requiring a “do-over”. As Pat tossed the ball preparing to serve up a winner, she called “let”… there is a Roseate Spoonbill flying over the tennis court. It is rare to see a Roseate Spoonbill, but never had she seen one flying overhead. An unexpected pause, a brief delay of game… and all the players agreed, nature had served up a winner.
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CAROL ELLIS
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July 2025
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