For the Event- Life During the Cold War

Not only did man as a whole have a difficult and scarry time during the cold war but animals suffered too.

Life during the cold war was very dificult for the Osprey (Fish Hawk) and other raptors. Because these birds ate animals like field mice, other small animals and fish that were negatively affected by the pesticide, DDT, many raptors became almost extinct.

Here is a story of the return of the Osprey despite man's use of DDT during and before the cold war.

In the late 1800s a European scientist discovered the ingredients of DDT. Then farmers found that DDT was an excellent pesticide. In 1939 Rachel Carson wrote her book, "Silent Spring" explaining the harm and future dangers in the use of pesticides, especially DDT.

What affect does DDT have on the Osprey and other raptors and what is being done to stop these birds from becoming extinct?

Affects of DDT - The pesticide DDT was used by farmers on their crops for years. The pests were killed and the small animals ate the DDT covered crops. Along comes a raptor looking for a meal and the bird spots a field mouse for its next meal. Now the poison the field mouse ingested when eating the farmer's crop is passed on to the osprey.

Also, when it rains the poisonous DDT washes from the farmers field into streams and lakes. Now DDT affects the fish that swim in the DDT filled water. The osprey (Fish Hawk) takes a fish from the lake for food. The poison in the fish is passed on to the osprey.

As time pases the poison affects the eggs the female osprey lays. The poison influences the egg shell by not allowing the eggs to hatch. The outcome is there is no new young born during the time DDT was used.

Here is a true success story about the osprey after heeding Rachel Carson's advice.

Page 1 MEET THE OSPREY Fred J. Kane The Osprey is a raptor similar to an eagle. It flaps its shapely wings high above a peaceful body of water where there is an abundant food supply. Soaring high, the bird spots his prey, hesitates, wavering in action, then plunges forward with its wings partially folded, and talons open. The fish hawk enters the lake upsetting the quiet current, going completely under the water for a few moments. This fish hawk is not only an excellent

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