Blog # 429 Building Osprey Platforms

Osprey pair at Salmon Creek a pole put up by NYSEG, courtesy of Cindy Sedlacek

NYSEG has been invaluable putting up Osprey nesting platforms around the Cayuga Lake Basin. However, we need more platforms in the specific places Ospreys want to nest, not in places we think they will nest (prospecting nests). The Cayuga Lake Osprey Network promotes the conservation of Osprey in the Finger Lakes. To that end, we are erecting Osprey platforms to accommodate our growing Osprey population. If you live near the lake and you would like an osprey platform on your property, contact the Cayuga Lake Osprey Network at cec222@gmail.com.

Nest Platform Design for Osprey

Osprey readily nest on nesting platforms designed especially for them and are an important tool in reestablishing populations. Seventy years ago, Ospreys mainly nested in trees. Now they have switched to using artificial structures which are strong and less likely to fall.

Ideally, nesting platforms should be erected in open water to protect them from land predators. On land, nest poles should be located with a view of the area and at least 100 feet from tall trees where predatory great horned owls hide. To reduce predation from climbing predators like raccoons and snakes, use a single pole with a platform on top. Single poles are easily outfitted with a predator guard (inverted cone, or a sleeve of aluminum flashing) that prevent predators from climbing into the nest.

Nest Platform Placement

Osprey nests should include one or two perches made of 2x4’s that rise 2 to 3 feet higher on both sides of the nest platform to maintains the shape of a tree. If not attached to the nest, the perch should be within 20–40 feet of the platform. Prospecting nests should be placed in or adjacent to shallow lakes, rivers, or wetlands, where Ospreys are regularly observed. Ospreys are also found in open farm areas within 3 miles of a fish-laden waterway. Platforms in water can be ten feet tall whereas platforms in fields require at least 25 foot poles.

Although Ospreys tolerate disturbances, such as traffic on roads and boat traffic on waterways, it is not recommended to place a nest platform in a highly developed area. Their tolerances for noise and commotion also varies according to the individual. There have been successful nests in busy marinas, parks, and parking lots. Sensitive adults may abandon a nest if there are many intrusions and disturbance, especially during the egg-laying period.

Disturbed young chicks tend to hunker down in the nest as the frightened adults fly off allowing them to cool down which can be dangerous. Upset chicks may regurgitate their stomach contents which burns and costs the chicks a meal. Distraught fighting chicks may fall from the nest causing potential injury and exposing them to greater risk of predation. All of these are avoidable and very dangerous to the chicks.

Below are videos illustrating how to build and install an Osprey nesting platform. There is no one platform design; platforms should be designed for their specific site. The stars of How to Build an Osprey Nest Box are members of the Cayuga Lake Osprey Network:

How to Build an Osprey Nest Box

The “Box Squad,” Mick, Tao, and Karel, will demonstrate how they built 3 Osprey nest boxes for the Cayuga Lake Osprey Network. How to Build an Osprey Nest Box

Karel, Tao, and Mick building an Osprey nesting box for the Cayuga Lake Osprey Network.

Osprey Nest Pole Installation on Land

Enjoy the amazing time we had installing 2 new Osprey nesting poles at Cornell. Many thanks to Benj, and two workers from Farm Services at Cornell. Osprey Nest Pole Install

Installing poles at the Cornell Research Ponds thanks to Cornell Farm

Services workers, Benj (brown shirt). Karel, Mick, and Sue.

There are many designs for platforms in different circumstances. Other information from the Citizens United to Protect the Maurice River in New Jersey:

Osprey Platform Diagram and Materials List (PDF)

Pictorial Instructions for Erecting an Osprey Platform (PDF)

Installing a Pole in Water

Installing a nest platform in the water or on an island without predators provides the safest place to breed. Always install a metal predator guard to prevent snakes and raccoons from climbing up the pole.

Dave Lincoln, owner of Knewstub Marine, (298 Portland Point Road, Lansing

607 277-1145) aboard his barge, courtesy of Cindy Sedlacek.

The barge and heavy machinery hauling a pole into place, courtesy of Cindy Sedlacek.

Finished Osprey platform, courtesy of Cindy Sedlacek.

Eyes to the sky!

Candace

Candace E. Cornell

Cayuga Lake Osprey Network

Friends of Salt Point, Lansing, NY

cec222@gmail.com

Guest Photographer:

Cynthia Sedlacek, musician and Director of Data Administration and Reporting at Cornell University, is a surprising artistic talent. Cynthia’s affection and admiration for raptors are evident in her exciting photographs primarily of Ospreys nesting around Cayuga Lake and the red-tailed hawks of the Cornell Campus. Her photographs of local Ospreys are incomparable as she captures their essence, their jizz, and their inner bird. From the hard-to-see nestlings to the fast-flying adults, Cindy goes beyond the pale to catch all aspects of Osprey life in the Cayuga Basin. “My camera allows me to capture their beauty in many ways that the human eye can’t see,” she says, “like their spectacular wing positions and detailed feather patterns.” Cindy and her husband Karel are also avid nest monitors for the Cayuga Lake Osprey Network and video stream footage of the campus hawks.