Productivity of ospreys in Connecticut--Long Island increases as DDE residues decline
Spitzer, P.R.; Risebrough, R.W.; Walker, W.; Hernandez, R.; Poole, A.; Puleston, D.; Nisbet, I.C.
Science 202(4365): 333-335
1978
ISSN/ISBN: 0036-8075 PMID: 99818 Document Number: 137503
Nesting success of ospreys (Pandion haliaetus) breeding in the Connecticut-Long Island USA area has increased since 1973 and is now approaching the levels recorded prior to the 1950's. Simultaneously, DDE and dieldrin residues have declined in unhatched eggs. Levels of polychorinated biphenyls have shown no changes over the period 1969-1976. The increase in productivity is attributed primarily to lower levels of DDE contamination. Detrimental effects in the past on ospreys in the Connecticut River estuary are attributed to local contamination with dieldrin.