Duke is Back! A New Chapter Begins at the Barnegat Light Osprey Cam
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Exciting news for osprey watchers—Duke has returned! This morning, the longtime male of our Barnegat Light Osprey Cam returned to his home on Long Beach Island after an incredible journey south for the winter. After months of migration, crossing thousands of miles between New Jersey and the tropics, Duke is back to reclaim his territory. But this year, there’s a twist—a new female is waiting for him!
His previous mate, Daisy, has not yet been spotted, and while we don’t know much about this new female (since she’s unbanded), we’ll be closely observing her iris and feather patterns to track her identity. Today, Duke wasted no time settling in—he was seen feeding on his perch, interacting with the newcomer, and lounging in the nest bowl (classic Duke). If Daisy doesn’t return, he will likely form a new pair bond with this female, marking a fresh chapter in his long and successful life.
At 19 years old, Duke is the oldest known nesting osprey in New Jersey—a testament to how far conservation efforts have come. Ospreys are living longer, healthier lives, a reflection of improved environmental policies and protections. Stay tuned as we watch this season’s drama unfold—will Daisy return, or will Duke start anew?