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Osprey Watch

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!


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.

Osprey Monitoring Guide


Interested in Volunteering?

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. 

Fill Out Volunteer Inquiry Form     Interactive Osprey Nest Map for Northeastern Massachusetts