Rescued Wells Fargo osprey released at Saylorville Lake
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This osprey survived a fall from its nest in July without any fractures but wasn't yet strong enough to live on its own. Video: Courtesy of Polk County Conservation
A young osprey rescued after falling from a nest on Wells Fargo's West Des Moines campus is back in the wild after volunteers cared for him throughout the summer.
Why it matters: The bird originates from one of only a few dozen successful osprey nesting sites in Iowa — a species that nearly vanished from the state just decades ago.
Catch up fast: A webcam watcher saw the chick tumble from the nest during a July storm and rushed to assist.
- Volunteers with SOAR (Saving Our Avian Resources) rehabilitated him until his release this month at Saylorville Lake.
Zoom out: Iowa's osprey restoration program started in 1997 after populations had declined across the country.
- Like bald eagles, osprey populations have steadily recovered in recent decades, shifting from endangered to a threatened or protected status under federal protections.
🤳🏾 Friction point: Modern ospreys prefer nesting on cellphone towers, which creates a challenge for conservationists.
- While the birds generally don't damage equipment, tower maintenance during nesting season can lead to conflicts, according to the Iowa DNR.
What's next: The live osprey cam at Wells Fargo will return next spring if it stays an active nesting site.