Maurice River Recollections Project
Osprey Nest Anecdotes
Johnson

The Johnson nest, like many, is named for the folks whose property the nest is erected on or who are the observers and stewards; in this case, both are true. The nest lies adjacent to Acorn Gut. This pair of birds is always the first to set up shop and get down to the business of raising their family. Normally the female will be on eggs before the end of March. On Mother's day, we normally make our first egg checks and we use the activity at this nest as a guideline for the beginning of each maintenance task. Twice we have made the error at this nest of coming to band too late, primarily because the birds start so early. In both instances, a chick prematurely jumped ship. This means having to recover the chick and place it back in the nest. It is not a lot of fun for the bird or the banders. We like to think we are wiser and will avoid this issue by banding earlier. So far so good.

 

 

Chicks just before fledging, about 8 weeks old

Chicks just before fledging, about 8 weeks old

 

Closest River Reach: Acorn Gut –Sweet Meadows

http://www.cumauriceriver.org/reaches/pg/narratives.cfm?sku=21

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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.

This pdf is a supplement to our Maurice River Recollection Project. The project, available on our website at http://www.cumauriceriver.org, includes natural history facts, plans for constructing osprey nests or predator guards, the history of the colony project and much more. Or you may simply go to Google Earth along the Maurice River and visit the nests virtually and the accompanying anecdotes. 

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. 
We hope to have afile available shortly that can be dowloaded and viewed using Google Earth.

Sincerely,
Jane Galetto
President