All about ospreys

By Lyndsie Kiebert
Reader Staff

We all remember the great osprey rescue of 2017, when two orphaned osprey chicks at Memorial Field were relocated to adoptive nests after their parents died in an accidental mid-air collision.

Fewer know that Wayne Melquist, a veteran biologist who has studied ospreys in our area for decades, was responsible for finding those little guys new homes.

Wayne Melquist visits two ospreys at their sky-high nest location.

Now, our hometown bird-rescuing hero is back to help osprey — this time through education.

On Friday, March 16, Melquist will speak at the Little Panida Theater about the natural history of ospreys and future conservation challenges they will face. Melquist will give his talk once at 3 p.m. and again at 6 p.m.

Melquist said his goal in giving his talks will be to educate people about what is already being done to help ospreys in Idaho specifically, and “various things we can do to help ensure we will continue to have ospreys in the future.”

“Ospreys of North Idaho” is sponsored by Kaniksu Land Trust in partnership with Idaho Conservation League and the American Heritage Wildlife Foundation. All proceeds will support these three organizations in their efforts to conserve the lands and animals of North Idaho.

Tickets are $5 and can be purchased at KLT, ICL or online at www.panida.org. Purchase in advance to secure seating.