Maurice River Recollections Project
Osprey Nest Anecdotes
Novakowski

When this nest was put in place, the osprey had started to give us indications as to what sites they desired on the river. The birds placed a nest on top of a duck blind very close to where we ultimately erected this one. The duck blind was unsuccessful and we suspected that raccoons likely preyed on the nest. We have found raccoon scat on the marsh over a mile from the bank or any high ground.

Often I speak of the distinctive personalities of osprey. For a number of years, the female in this nest was especially aggressive. There were times that I doubted my sanity when I banded birds at the Novakowski platform. Repeatedly, this bird would dive down and drop its talons in the most threatening way. I suspect that the female perished one year when the nest failed. Today, the new mother is just not as nasty as her predecessor is and although I thought I would be glad to pass up her aggressive behavior during our little encounters, I reservedly admit to missing that little bit of an adrenaline pumping in my veins.

When a bird, year after year, displays a particular behavior, and on a nest visit I don't see the behavior anymore, I feel a little sad, because I suspect that one member of the pair has perished.

 

Novakowski bird gives bander grief--good mom!

Novakowski bird gives bander grief- good mom!


Closest River Reach: Bailey?s and Boiler Reach

http://www.cumauriceriver.org/reaches/pg/narratives.cfm?sku=24

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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