Making artificial nests for endangered ospreys
By Judy Evans
@JudyEv (342041)
Rockingham, Australia
July 1, 2024 10:51pm CST
We all know that many species are facing extinction or are already extinct. One that has been struggling to cope over the last few years is the eastern osprey (Pandion cristatu). They are found on the coast of Australia, New Guinea, the Philippines and Indonesian Islands. Pairs use the same nest site year after year.
In South Australia on Eyre Peninsula, Kangaroo Island and Yorke Peninsula, the population has dropped to just 50 pairs. Loss of habitat and coastal disturbance have impacted on nest sites.
Now, experts and locals are installing artificial nesting platforms in these areas. Over four years, eighteen of these platforms have been put in place. Two thirds are now occupied by pairs of ospreys and 14 chicks have been hatched from these nests.
Many of the nests are lifted into place by helicopters. A paddle-boarder who regularly goes under on of the beacons holding a nest calls out to the ospreys and they call back to him. You can check out more here: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-07-02/osprey-endangered-birds-artificial-platforms-installed-nests-sa/104042676
The photo shows a sea-eagle on West Australia’s south coast.
16 people like this
16 responses
@allknowing (137706)
• India
3 Jul
I do not sparrows anymore around here They with their sweet chirps were always welcome.
2 people like this
@allknowing (137706)
• India
3 Jul
@JudyEv There is no dearth of birds here. I was only talking about sparrows.
You can hear the cacophoney of birds in my garden
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2 people like this
@JudyEv (342041)
• Rockingham, Australia
3 Jul
@allknowing Thanks for the link. You'd enjoying hearing those birds.
2 people like this
@allen0187 (58582)
• Philippines
5 Jul
Hopefully, all these effort produce great results for the ospreys.
1 person likes this
@changjiangzhibin89 (16789)
• China
2 Jul
They do a good deed ! The osprey population is bound to increase.
2 people like this
@changjiangzhibin89 (16789)
• China
3 Jul
@JudyEv It is a good thing the ospreys are not that fussy about their nests.
2 people like this
@JudyEv (342041)
• Rockingham, Australia
3 Jul
@changjiangzhibin89 Yes, I'm a bit surprised that they don't avoid such places.
2 people like this
@RasmaSandra (80708)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
3 Jul
That is wonderful news, I am glad they are helping the ospreys in this way,
2 people like this
@snowy22315 (182137)
• United States
2 Jul
That is great they are willing to help out.
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (342041)
• Rockingham, Australia
2 Jul
There is a lot of interest too from tourists who visit the area hoping to see the ospreys.
@LindaOHio (181645)
• United States
2 Jul
I'm glad they are being proactive in saving the ospreys. Have a good day.
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (342041)
• Rockingham, Australia
2 Jul
It will be a great bonus to the birds to have safe places to build their nests.