Last year, New Jersey’s ospreys faced an unprecedented crisis.

Nests failed across the coast. Adults abandoned eggs and chicks—likely due to food stress tied to a shortage of Atlantic menhaden, their primary prey.

The Barnegat Light Osprey Cam captured it all in real time—giving us rare, critical insight into what these birds are facing.

Now, that camera is offline after the blizzard in February damaged it.

And we’re about to lose something even more important: this entire breeding season.

We have one week to replace the camera. Once eggs are laid, installation is no longer possible. If we miss this window, we lose a full year of data, visibility, and the ability to share what’s happening with the public.

And this year, we may miss something truly special.

This nest has thousands of dedicated followers who return each season to watch a remarkable osprey named Duke.

If he returns this year—as he has for many seasons—Duke will be 20 years old. That’s an extraordinary milestone for a wild osprey.

His return should be something we can all witness and celebrate together.

But without the camera, we won’t see it.

We won’t witness his arrival, his defense of his nest and mate, or the challenges he may face in a changing environment—and neither will the thousands of people who have come to care about him.

This is a pivotal—and time-sensitive—moment.

A generous supporter has stepped forward to match every gift, dollar-for-dollar, up to $5,000.

That means your donation will go twice as far—but only if you give now.

Your support will help us:

• Monitor nesting activity and prey deliveries in real time

• Understand how food shortages impact breeding success

• Share powerful, unfiltered moments that inspire conservation

Every dollar goes directly toward restoring the camera system and continuing our work to protect New Jersey’s ospreys—when they need it most.

Please make your gift today before this brief window closes.

Thank you for stepping up at this critical moment—for Duke, and for all New Jersey’s ospreys.

Sincerely,

Ben Wurst

Senior Wildlife Biologist / Conserve Wildlife Foundation of NJ