Osprey Program

The osprey (Pandion haliaetus), also known as “fish hawk”, is a diurnal fish-eating raptor associated with rivers, lakes, reservoirs, and coastal areas. Their population declined nationwide, primarily from decades of use of the pesticide DDT which caused eggshell thinning, resulting in poor reproductive success. Ospreys were listed as an endangered species in Illinois in 1977.

This presentation will discuss the life and natural history of ospreys, their current status in the state, and highlight the recovery efforts of this species in Illinois to help give this species a boost in building a self-sustaining breeding population.

Patrick McDonald received a B.S. in Fisheries & Wildlife from the University of Missouri, Columbia and M.S. in Geography & Environmental Resources from SIU, Carbondale. He manages and analyzes the IDNR’s statewide Chronic Wasting Disease database and is the leader of the Osprey Recovery Project. Patrick has worked for the IDNR since 2007, and had 14 years of experience working with raptors at the World Bird Sanctuary, MO.