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HILTON HEAD ISLAND, S.C. (AP) -- A new survey shows there are more osprey along South Carolina's south coast -- a sign the environment is healthy.

The Island Packet of Hilton Head reported Monday that volunteers who monitored osprey nests from April through August found 80 active nests in Beaufort County. More than half the nests had at least one chick.

Last year, 78 active nests were found and only about 43 percent had chicks.

Researchers say the number of osprey is a good indicator there is enough fish to feed the young birds.

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