Original Content
Pandion: A short documentary on the history of Long Island’s ospreys, by Clay Steell
This film was created by Clay Steell during a Summer Session at the East End Student Film Project.
Visit EESFP.ORG to view more great films created by young filmmakers.
“Techspressionist” Osprey Art by Colin Goldberg
Colin Goldberg is a North Fork artist and contributing designer at Osprey Zone.
Click here to view more of this artist’s work.
Belle’s Journey
Written by Dr. Rob Bierregaard & Illustrated by Kate Garchinsky
Take flight with Belle, an osprey born on Martha’s Vineyard as she learns to fly and migrates for the first time to Brazil and back–a journey of more than 8,000 miles.
Belle’s Journey is available on Indiebound.org (and Amazon.com), or directly from Rob Bierregaard (rbierreg@gmail.com) for signed copies.
All the data from over 100 Ospreys that “Dr. B.” has tagged are available for teachers and student projects. Data can be downloaded (Google Earth or Excel) directly from Movebank.org or in Google Earth files already processed to include daily roost sites on each bird’s migration. Contact Rob (rbierreg@gmail.com) for details.
Iain MacLeod has developed a series of lesson plans based on the data for a range of student ages. Visit the Squam Lakes Natural Science Center website for details.
Reviews for Belle’s Journey
In this “mostly true story,” Bierregaard (the real Dr. B.) uses the real-life Belle, whose migration he tracked, to convey this lively, personalized look at migrating ospreys. Rendered in watercolor pencil, ink, and aqua crayon, the realistic, atmospheric illustrations rely on line and color to capture the drama of Belle’s amazing adventure. An engaging, informative introduction to ospreys for budding birders.
-Kirkus Reviews
Students will be easily caught up in Belle’s story, especially when she encounters dangers for the first time in her young life. Garchinsky’s illustrations—done in watercolor pencil, ink, and aqua crayons—are not only lovely to look at but match the book’s lively tone. There are also two photographs of the real-life Belle included at the end. VERDICT: A page-turner for animal lovers, this book is a good choice for libraries in need of engrossing nonfiction.
-School Library Journal
don’t see too many comments from 2018-when will the baby start to fly?
Nice documentary. Enjoyed watching that
I live in Westhampton and two pairs of Osprey are now here. One of the females only arrived this week – not sure about the other pair. Some other nests in the area area still empty. I believe that the males arrive first and then the females and they go through courting rituals even if they’re the original mated pair. Exciting. Crossing my fingers for George and Gracie.
Everyone should watch Clay Steell’s documentary. Very uplifting!