Abstract:
Ospreys, also known as sea hawks, are now a familiar sight along the North Carolina coast. Before the use of DDT was banned in 1972, the pesticide got into the food chain of ospreys; this caused them to lay thin-shelled eggs that affected the survival rate of the young. Since the banning, ospreys have been increasing in numbers. This fish-eating species mates for life and returns to the same nest year after year.