
Osprey in North Idaho
North Idaho has the largest nesting population of osprey in the Western U.S. -- about 200 pairs. Dr. Wayne Melquist, PhD, banded nestlings on Saturday, July 13, 2013. Melquist has been involved in long-running research on the population, something to the tune of 25 years. He was also involved in translocation of young birds to re-establish populations in South Dakota along the Missouri River.
Section:Picture story

A juvenile osprey sits in its nest above Lake Coeur d’Alene on Saturday, July 13, 2013.
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Dr. Wayne Melquist, PhD, removes a juvenile opsrey from a nest on Lake Coeur d’Alene on Saturday, July 13, 2013. He was banding nestlings as part of a long-running research on the population of osprey.
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A juvenile osprey is secured for banding by Dr. Wayne Melquist, PhD, on Lake Coeur d’Alene on Saturday, July 13, 2013.
Kathy Plonka The Spokesman-Review Buy this photo

A juvenile osprey is banded by Dr. Wayne Melquist, PhD, on Lake Coeur d’Alene on Saturday, July 13, 2013.
Kathy Plonka The Spokesman-Review Buy this photo

An osprey takes off from its nest above Lake Coeur d’Alene on Saturday, July 13, 2013.
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An osprey flies over Hauser Lake carrying a fish on Monday, July 15, 2013. The osprey’s outer talon is reversible, allowing it to turn the fish to a more aerodynamic position.
Kathy Plonka The Spokesman-Review Buy this photo

An osprey flies over Hauser Lake carrying a fish on Monday, July 15, 2013.
Kathy Plonka The Spokesman-Review Buy this photo
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