We're back, baby

A bit of good news for the day — Iowa's osprey population is ticking up.

• Last year, 25 nests successfully produced osprey. In 2020, only 18 nests were successful.

Why it matters: These birds of prey struggled in the 1950s and 60s due to the pesticide DDT, which thinned their eggshells.

State of play: While DDT was banned in 1972, the biggest challenge facing ospreys now are cell phone towers.

• In 2024, 75% of active nests in Iowa were found on the towers, due to their tall height, per the DNR.

The solution: The DNR and volunteers are collaborating with cell phone companies when work on a tower needs to get done.