Maurice River Recollections Project
Osprey Nest Anecdotes
Fralinger/ Kontes

This is yet another nest that is named for its property ownership. For many folks the site is known as Fralinger, as it appears on the USGS map for identification. Since the time of the Fralinger ownership Jack Kontes has become the proprietor, so we added the Kontes name to the identification. This nesting site is one of the original man-made structures on the Maurice River, pre-dating our colony project. The pole and platform of the original nest fell into disrepair and we replaced it with a new structure. There was a period of time that the nest failed or was inactive. We thought that the pair from the early to late 80s possibly perished and a new less experienced pair had taken over. For the past few years, this being 2009, the nest has been successful. One of the birds in this pair has an aggressive display habit that involves dipping its talons in the water when we make nest checks. This is not a habit unique to this bird, but clearly, this bird really fancies it to the extreme. Ospreys unmistakably have individual personalities and we have been able to predict specific habits at certain nests. So much so, that if the habit is not displayed, we suspect that one member of the pair has perished.

 

Note osprey beating water

Note osprey beating water

 

Osprey flies overhead as the volunteer checks the nest

Osprey flies overhead as the volunteer checks the nest

 

Subtenant at Fralinger nest--a muskrat house

Subtenant at Fralinger nest - a muskrat house

 

Closest River Reach: Steve Clark

http://www.cumauriceriver.org/reaches/pg/narratives.cfm?sku=27

Check out reaches #25-28

 

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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