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Maurice River Recollections Project
Osprey Nest Anecdotes
Meadow View
This was the first nest we erected on the Maurice River. Prior to this platform, there were only two on the Maurice River. Both were believed to be placed by the NJ Division of Fish and Wildlife, Endangered and Nongame Species Program. These were the Fralinger Nest and the Four Star Nest #1. It was about 1985 and my husband, Peter Galetto, and friend, Eddie DiPalma, said they wanted to put in a piling in conjunction with the pilings driven for our dock. We had lived on the tidal river for about two years. I called a State (NJ) biologist and asked for advice. Often first year birds will essentially go through all the motions of nesting but not produce eggs. We dubbed the initial pair of osprey after one of Red Skelton’s skits, a favorite comedian from my childhood. His routine at the beginning of each TV show involved two gulls talking to one another and making commentary from above about folks below. The gulls were affectionately named Gertrude and Heathcliff. This pair over many years has been one of the earliest nesters and was extremely productive. It was the start of a very large and successful osprey nesting colony project in which nearly 150+ volunteers have participated.
Teenager gets to see chicks
Closest River Reach: Haley’s Gravel
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Osprey Colony Project
Introduction Welcome to Citizens United's River Recollections Project. These stories are but a few of my memories associated to osprey nesting structures along the Maurice River and its tributaries. It is part of a larger project including an interactive map of the of river reach lore, live campfire recollection events, documentaries, presentations and archives held by the organization. I believe the greatest connection that people have to a river is the sharing of their bond to it through the telling of stories. These stories are accurate accounts from my perspective the truth, as I know it. The stories are designed to give you insight into some life history of the osprey but are primarily designed to give you a flavor for being an osprey volunteer. Over 150 volunteers have been involved in the construction of the osprey platforms. Sincerely,
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If you enjoy these stories or have a love of history, you may find visiting our interactive River Reach Map, which allows you to explore cultural aspects of the Maurice River's tidal reaches, simply click on buoys to begin your voyage.