montrose station
ospreys

Endangered in Missouri since the early 1970s, it was believed that lakes in west central portions of the state could support osprey reintroduction. Reservoirs like the cooling lake at KCPLs Montrose Station offered nesting habitat plus an ample diet of fish.When the Missouri Conservation Department sought a partner, KCPL volunteered. The company arranged the retrieval of young osprey from natural nests on power line structures in Minnesota, and released them in 1997 and 1998 at a protected location on the plant grounds. Late in the winter of 1999, KCPL installed a nesting platform made of recycled utility poles along an isolated portion of shoreline. As the released birds mature, they should return to the area and nest on the platform or in trees along the shore.

ospreys        

Osprey are one of few birds found nearly world-wide, occurring on every continent but Antarctica. North American osprey nest along the coasts and shores of lakes and streams. They build huge, stick nests in shoreline trees, nesting occasionally on power poles, buoys and even ferris wheels. In spring, they lay from two to four brown-blotched eggs, fledging two to three young in summer. Both parents feed the young. Skilled fishers, osprey frequent rivers, lakes and farm ponds while migrating through Missouri and Kansas. The best months to observe them are April, May, September and October. After locating suitable fish near the surface, they plunge feet first into the water. Their powerful grip, sharp talons and spikes on the bottoms of their toes enable them to carry slippery prey to a nearby perch. A flying osprey's long, narrow wings span 6 feet. They can be recognized by the arched position of the wings, similar to a gull's. From below, they're white with bars and black patches on the wings and tail. Brown on the back, upper wing surface and tail makes them appear brown when perched, even with their white breast and dark head mask. Their eyes are vivid gold.