Osprey Population North of Boston Marks Nearly a Decade of Growth

The Osprey population north of Boston and throughout Essex County continued to grow during the 2026 breeding season, marking the ninth consecutive year of recovery for this once-endangered species.

As part of Greenbelt’s Osprey Conservation Program, staff and volunteers documented a record 103 breeding pairs across the region between April and September — up from 92 last year — as well as 127 fledglings. As cooler temperatures arrive, most of the region’s Ospreys have begun their annual migration south to warmer climates.

“The continued growth of the Osprey population across the region is a remarkable conservation success story,” says Dave Rimmer, Greenbelt’s Osprey Program Director. “By protecting and stewarding wildlife habitat, building and maintaining nesting platforms, collecting and sharing data, and engaging the public in our efforts, we’ve raised awareness and helped create the conditions necessary for their population to thrive.”

Data gathered during the 2026 season offers important insights into nesting behavior, habitat preferences, and long-term population trends in northeastern Massachusetts. As part of Greenbelt’s Osprey Program, 40-plus trained volunteer community scientists monitored nests and documented breeding activity throughout the region, submitting more than 2,300 online observation reports.

A highlight of the 2026 season was Greenbelt’s popular OspreyCam, located on an active nest atop a wooden platform in the salt marsh behind Lobsta Land Restaurant in Gloucester. The live-streaming webcam drew thousands of views during the breeding season, allowing the public to follow the nesting activity of longtime residents Annie and Squam in real time. The pair successfully raised two chicks this year — Sunny and Stormy — and have fledged a total of 20 chicks since the camera was installed in 2018.