Installing Osprey Platforms
By Ben Wurst, Habitat Program Manager
This past week I installed two osprey nesting platforms with the help of some dedicated volunteers. The platforms were installed on two islands known as Little Sedge Islands off Lavallette in Barnegat Bay. I originally planned on only installing one platform there for a woman who donated to help support our osprey project. However, this past spring on the day we were planning to install the platform my wife went into labor with our first child. So I made up for not having the platform installed before this year’s nesting season by installing two this past week.
The islands are preserved as open space and are great habitat for ospreys. They prefer to nest over or near water (their source of food). Islands provide additional protection from ground predators, like raccoons. There are several nesting platforms nearby that are always occupied, so it’s likely that these platforms will be occupied within the next couple years.
Thank you to everyone who helped out!!
Volunteers finish installing an osprey nesting platform on an island on Barnegat Bay. © Ben Wurst
More photos from the installation:
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- Proper placement of osprey platforms is key. Platforms must be placed in open areas near water (food sources). © Ben Wurst
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- Ropes help with finishing touches of the install. © Ben Wurst
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- Volunteers finish installing an osprey nesting platform on an island on Barnegat Bay. © Ben Wurst
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- Volunteers (from L to R – Marty, Jim, Sandra, Brian, Ed, and Bernie) stand in front of the platform. © Ben Wurst
