provided to The Santiva Chronicle
Based in Sanibel, The International Osprey Foundation is founded on three key principles: Preserve, Research, and Educate.
TIOF reports that 72 research grants, totaling over $100,000, have been awarded for raptor projects since 1990. This milestone includes $66,000 distributed to 46 U.S. grant recipients and $41,000 awarded to 26 recipients.
Grants have been awarded in 14 U.S. states and 18 countries across five continents. TIOF-funded grants provide research opportunities for scientists at non-profit organizations and for young scientists in underfunded, international locations where conservation approaches are most needed.
The four grants that TIOF awarded in 2024 will allow researchers to study the migration paths of young ospreys in Wisconsin, reduce human/osprey conflicts at fish farms during osprey migrations through western Kenya, investigate the impact of climate alterations, diet, and plastic pollution on osprey nesting success in the Cape Verde islands, and lastly, identify the effects of selenium on osprey nesting success in Montana due to open pit coal mining.
These grants allow TIOF to fulfill its mission of protecting and reserving ospreys worldwide and other key activities such as building and maintaining local osprey nesting platforms and monitoring.
TIOF nest watchers monitor over 130 osprey nests in Sanibel, Captiva, and surrounding areas, and the data is compiled into a global database with the goal of correlating osprey breeding success with environmental issues facing aquatic ecosystems.
Ospreys, known as the “fish hawks,” have been identified as an indicator species for water and environmental conditions due to their diet, comprised almost entirely of fish.
For those who want to support TIOF and learn more about our majestic ospreys, join us at the fundraiser for Osprey habitat restoration, “Wines for Wings,” from 4 to 6 p.m. March 16 at The Sanibel Community House.
The early-evening Wines for Wings will include tasting wines selected from regions along osprey migration routes, light fare, and learning.
Attendees can sponsor osprey nesting platforms and pole and platform installation packages. The silent auction offerings range from art and jewelry to excursions and osprey-themed gifts.
Come and learn about our local osprey population, how osprey nesting platforms are built and installed, and the issues currently facing global osprey populations. The proceeds will help TIOF build and install nesting platforms lost after Hurricane Ian and fund global osprey research.
TIOF would like to thank Kingfisher Vacation Rentals and Real Estate, Sanibel Captiva Trust Company, Bank of the Islands, and the Sanibel Captiva Audubon Society for serving as sponsors for the event.
If interested in becoming a sponsor, contact Kathryn Brintnall at tiof.kbrintnall@gmail.com. For tickets or more information, go to www.ospreys.com.