Maurice River Recollections Project
Osprey Nest Anecdotes
Kirby

This nest is named for one of Citizens United to Protect the Maurice River and Its Tributaries, Inc. founders and it is the nest for which he is the steward. I shall never forget the day we met Berwyn Kirby. He was a legend to us. We had been asked to come on an inner tube/ canoe excursion by a group of folks that called themselves Citizens United. We couldn't make the trip departure time because of prior commitments, but decided to catch up with the group by boat on their return up-river. The tide was rushing out and there was wind to deal with so we offered to raft some of their vessels together and give them a tow. Most were grateful for the offer and we obliged. Berwyn however was determined to make the trip on his own, paddling upstream against the tide in an inner tube. At this point, we were towing so many vessels and tubes that he actually kept up with us. Remarkable. This incident did not dispel the lore surrounding his vitality but rather enforced it and is now lore in itself.

Berwyn is known for his very protective proclivities. And the nest was the first and only nest that was camouflaged, for Berwyn didn't want it to be obvious to possible mischief-makers. Shortly after that, we did in fact have one nest that was vandalized at Union Lake. Berwyn is also known for his well-kept and robust physical condition. To be clear, Berwyn is the picture of fitness topped off by a buzz cut. His overall demeanor, oratory skills, and flair have gained him the respect of many a wayward student and teachers, as well as the members of our organization. Ironically, his birds have matched his vigor and healthy spirit. Their nest is always the largest on the river and they remain the best example of not knowing when to stop building. These attributes extend to creatures that surround Berwyn. The day we put up the nest, I took photos of his Chesapeake retrievers carrying logs of their choice for retrieval. It is only in Berwyn's 70s that he has considered trimming down on his own bulk. His strength of character and resolve remain in force.

 

Kirby instructs Chesapeake Retriever in fine art of log carrying

Kirby instructs Chesapeake Retriever in the fine art of log carrying

 

View from Kirby platform

View from Kirby platform

 

Kirby nest builder birds

Kirby nest builder birds


Go back


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