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Monitoring Efforts To Keep Eye On Michigan Osprey

MILFORD (WWJ/AP) - New monitoring efforts are taking place this year track the resurgence of osprey in Michigan.

The state Department of Natural Resources says GPS tracking units are being placed on several of the birds in southern Michigan. Information collected will help wildlife officials understand migration that routes the birds take and what perils they might encounter.

Osprey Watch of Southeast Michigan says three units were deployed this month.

Historically, osprey chicks had been banded with aluminum leg bands as part of a national effort to monitor the species. Banding continues this year, but the osprey chicks are being outfitted with units to track their daily movement and seasonal migration patterns.

The DNR says grants from DTE Energy Co. and American Tower Corp. are funding the units.

The osprey, also known as the "fish hawk" is brown above and white below, and files with a distinct bend in its wing at the "wrist."

Residents are urged to report osprey sightings in the southern part of lower Michigan.  An online form is available at this link.

(TM and © Copyright 2013 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2013 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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