Blog #380 Predator Guardians


Karel Sedlacek, Mick Corey, and Neil Belcher mounting a predator guard, courtesy of Cindy Sedlacek. 

NYSEG has been instrumental in erecting Osprey platforms around the south end of Cayuga Lake for  which we are immensely grateful. However, they often neglect to put on the finishing touch, a metal  

Dave Collum and Karel Sedlacek ignored Candace Cornell’s directions 

at Salmon Creek, courtesy of Cindy Sedlacek.

Neil, Mick, and Karel at the Game Farm Road nest, courtesy of Cindy Sedlacek. 

Benj and Karel at the Cornel Research ponds, courtesy of Cindy Sedlacek.

predator guard. These guards, made out of thin aluminum flashing, are wrapped around the pole 5 feet or  more above the ground to prevent snakes, raccoons, squirrels, and other terrestrial predators from  stealing the eggs or hatchlings. While many of these unprotected nests were able to fledge healthy young  in the past, it is only a matter of time before their luck runs out. In 2019, after Ophelia laid eggs in the  unprotected Salmon Creek nest, the entire clutch was stolen—but never again. As of Sunday, the nest  has a proper predator guard. 

Predator guards must be installed before the Ospreys enter their sensitive egg-laying phase so as not to  disturb them. Last Sunday, Cayuga Lake Osprey Network members Neil Belcher, Mick Corey, Benj  Sterrett, Dave Collum, and Karel Sedlacek braved the cold drizzle to install predator guards on several  dozen platforms near the lake. Standing on ladders precariously balanced in the mud made it challenging  to nail the flashing to the utility poles. 

Karel Sedlacek mounting another predator guard, courtesy of Cindy Sedlacek. 

Many thanks to Neil, Mick, Benj, Karel, and Dave for making our Osprey platforms safer. 

Eyes to the sky! 

Candace 

Candace E. Cornell 

Friends of Salt Point, Lansing NY 

Cayuga Osprey Network 

cec222@gmail.com

HELP PROTECT OSPREYS:  

• Keep a distance (100-300 feet) from active nests in the breeding season. If an animal vocalizes when you are near, you are too close! BACK OFF IMMEDIATELY. 

• Carry binoculars to view wildlife from a distance. 

• Help keep local waters clean and healthy. Preserve and clean shorelines. • Recycle or dispose of used fishing line and other materials that can entangle Ospreys and other aquatic animals. 

• Volunteer to monitor Osprey nests with the Cayuga Osprey Network.  Write to: cec222@gmail.com. Thank you. 

EYES ON OSPREYS  

WATCH! 

Salt Point Osprey Nest Cam 

READ! 

OnOspreyTime: Ospreys of Salt Point 

VISIT! 

Cayuga Lake Osprey Trail


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