CHARACTERIZATION OF THE JACQUES COUSTEAU NATIONAL ...

The osprey, peregrine falcon, and northern harrier are the primary raptors. While the
peregrine falcon and northern harrier nest year-round in the region, the osprey migrates to
the Southeast U.S., Central America, and South America, where it overwinters. The
peregrine falcon and the osprey are listed as a State threatened species. The northern
harrier, in turn, is a State endangered species.
The osprey, peregrine falcon, and northern harrier all feed near the top of the
estuarine food chain. The osprey primarily consumes fish. The peregrine falcon, in
contrast, prefers other birds as prey such as shorebirds, small waterfowl, and gulls.
Northern harriers also ingest small birds, but commonly hunt the marsh landscape for
rodents and other small mammals (Kennish, 2001a).
The peregrine falcon and northern harrier nesting populations are relatively stable.
The number of nesting ospreys, however, has increased dramatically during the past 25
years. Between 1975 and 1998, osprey nests increased more than five-fold, from 50 nests
to over 250 nests statewide. In the study region, the osprey nests on platforms in salt
marsh habitats. The northern harrier also utilizes salt marshes, as well as brackish
marshes, for nesting and foraging. The merlin likewise feeds in the marshes. In recent
years, the bald eagle has been observed nesting along the Mullica River as well as
roosting and foraging in the tidal reaches of the Mullica and Wading Rivers (U.S. Fish
and Wildlife Service, 1996). It is clearly evident that a range of habitats in the JCNERR
are critically important to the health and viability of these raptor populations.
Other predatory birds are largely limited to upland forest habitats. Examples are
the broad-winged hawk (Buteo platypterus), which nests in tall oak trees, as well as the
eastern screech owl (Otus asio) and great horned owl (Bubo virginianus), which inhabit
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