DNR places 10 young ospreys at lakes in Carroll & Dubuque Counties
April 10th, 2013 by Ric Hanson
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — The Iowa Department of Natural Resources says it is continuing its program of placing young ospreys at Iowa locations to establish future nesting sites. The DNR plans to place 10 young ospreys at Mud Lake in Dubuque County and at Swan Lake in Carroll County. The 42-day-old ospreys are developed enough to tear apart fish to feed themselves. They will begin flying at about 53 days of age. The raptors establish a home where they learn to fly and catch fish. They return to their home location to nest at four or five years of age. Last year, 18 pairs nested producing 32 young. Since 1997, 249 ospreys have been released in Iowa.