Call of the Osprey, Scientists in the Field

“Patent’s lucid prose and Muñoz’s clear color photos work together to document the efforts of the Montana Osprey Project . . . a stellar series.”—School Library Journal


This meticulously researched and photographed account follows three University of Montana scientists and their interdisciplinary work with osprey: fish-catching birds with gigantic nests and a family that functions with teamwork and cooperation. Today the osprey is studied to monitor the effects of mercury on living things. The osprey hunts in a very small area around its large nest and so scientists can pinpoint where mercury is coming from. In Missoula, Montana, the scientists have been following ospreys for six years, collecting data on the amount of contaminants found on their feathers and in their blood. The rivers and streams in Western Montana are still suffering effects from inappropriate mining activities performed more than a hundred years ago. This man-made pollution is still dangerous to people and to wildlife.

“Demonstrates how studying these birds may help address some knottier scientific problems.

More science than adventure, this is a challenging addition to the Science in the Field series.”—Kirkus Reviews


“Readers who prefer to shortcut straight to the birds themselves will be particularly pleased not only with the myriad photographs but also with inserts on the nesting pairs.”—Bulletin