Osprey Monitoring Program
Join Us as a Citizen Scientist
Greenbelt is seeking volunteers to help monitor and document Osprey behavior in Essex County by “adopting a nest.” Volunteers will visit their assigned nest(s) at least once a week from early April through August, recording observations and taking photographs. Weekly online data submission is required, along with the option to email photos. Join us in this vital effort to monitor these incredible birds!
Greenbelt is no longer seeking volunteers for Osprey monitoring in Essex County at this time. Thank you to all who expressed interest in helping document Osprey behavior by “adopting a nest.” Our current volunteers will be visiting their assigned nest(s) weekly from early April through August, recording observations and submitting data online. We appreciate your support in this vital effort to monitor these incredible birds!
Program Requirements
- Familiarity with identifying an Osprey.
- Commitment to visit the nest for at least 15 minutes once a week and complete Greenbelt’s online report.
- Access to a pair of binoculars or a spotting scope.
Interested in Volunteering?
No longer accepting Osprey Monitors for the 2025 season.
Please submit an application and you will be assigned to a geographically appropriate nest, or if you already have a nest in mind please tell us in the message field on the application.
Volunteer Inquiry Form Interactive Osprey Nest Map for Northeastern Massachusetts