Pam Narney may be witnessing the effects of global warming right in her own backyard. Each year, ospreys nest on her property near the Potomac River in rural Virginia. She loves watching the birds in action.

Narney: “Most of the time they fly along the surface of the water and stick their talons down and grab the fish. But when they go straight down, it’s just, I mean . . . your heart stops.”

Narney’s not a scientist, but she records data on the osprey’s behavior, including when they return each year.

Narney: “They usually return somewhere between March 4th and March 18th.”

But in the last few years, the birds have been returning several weeks early.

Narney: “This year was the earliest ever, which was February 25th.”

Narney’s observations are consistent with a recent report by the Audubon Society, which says the osprey’s winter range will expand north as climates warm.

But that does not mean this magnificent bird will benefit from climate change. The same report estimates that up to 80 percent of the osprey’s summer range will be lost within 65 years.

So while Narney enjoys watching the osprey for a bit longer each year, she realizes this change could be an ominous sign of global warming.

Reporting credit: Colleen Pellissier/ChavoBart Digital Media.
Photo: Copyright protected.

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