Get ready for another season of this conservation champion, the Osprey, North Fork’s beloved emblem. From beach clean-ups to Osprey nesting platform installations, prepare for this fish-eating raptor’s return through this annual celebration.

Ospreys are migrating north to their breeding grounds. The Fish Hawk usually arrives on Long Island between March 17th, St Patrick’s Day, and March 21st, Vernal Equinox. Males often return first to reclaim territory and refurbish the nest. Females usually arrive a week later. Last year, many pairs were late and arrived together. Come celebrate the “Return of the Osprey” on Saturday, March 16th at Noon at Breakwater Beach in Mattituck for this annual “barn-raising” event. Watch the Turtleback Conservation Center team install a nesting platform and join in to help with a beach clean-up! It is important to gather marine debris before the Osprey do as it is hazardous nesting material! Shorebird fencing will also be installed after the beach clean-up. Learn all about the natural history of Osprey, the North Fork icon, and comeback kid at this annual, family-friendly event.

More details to follow here: https://turtlebackconservationcenter.com/