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Maurice River Recollections Project
Osprey Nest Anecdotes
Old Shack
The impetus for putting up this platform was that newly returning birds had started to build on a very low and abandoned dock. The first extreme tide events would surely wipe out the nest. It is placed next to a shack on the river that many folks ask about the origins of, you can read more about the construction of the shack in Citizens United's river recollections project; “Once Upon a River Island” We had a small crew in March of 2003. It was a miserable cold day and the day's events are a clear testament to the dedication of our volunteers. Normally a strong crewmember will do what we call “foot the nest.” After washing in a hole, one person keeps the end of it from slipping past the entrance of the hole when the platform is hoisted up. This task was left to me and is not easily forgotten. The water was about knee deep which meant my shoulders were in the water and my face was getting plenty wet. When I lifted my arms out of the water, the sheen of water on my water jacket turned to ice and when I bent my arms, the ice cracked and fell like a thin sheet of glass. Everyone including myself found this humorous. But I will tell you that when we finally returned to the warmth of the house it was a welcomed treat.
Looking up Acorn Ditch to the Old Shack nest
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. 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.