|
Maurice River Recollections Project
Osprey Nest Anecdotes
FGW 4 Star #1 & FGW 4 Star #2
Occasionally when folks see these nests so close together they question what we could have been thinking. The nests are across the river from their namesake- 4 Star Marina. The #1 nest was probably put up by NJ Fish and Wildlife. It was falling into disrepair. So we ventured out to replace it with a brand new pole. When we arrived on location we found that the platform was in terrible shape but the old piling supporting it was sound. We had planned to cut down the entire structure. We did not have the scaffold necessary to place a new nesting platform on top of the existing pole so we decided to put up the new nest, because after all, it was March, and the birds would return any day. We thought we would take advantage of the good pole and return in the future to place a new top on it and to test how close the birds would nest to one another. Historically, there are places where osprey actually nested on the ground in colonies. Ospreys exist on every continent but Antarctica so it is conceivable that in some places trees are not a common commodity. So what happened? Well, the birds rotate between the two nests but never has there been a pair on both structures. As the colony grows, we wonder if both poles will someday be occupied. There is one little twist of fate that is worthy of note this pair is one of only three pair that have produced four chicks. To give you an idea how extraordinary this occurrence is of 279 clutches since 1994 only 15 have had four eggs and only three actually raised four chicks. And I'm thinking possibly the mother is very grateful that we did not call the nest 5 Star.
Four eggs is very unusual; of 279 clutches banded, only 15 have had four eggs
Closest River Reach: Fish Factory http://www.cumauriceriver.org/reaches/pg/narratives.cfm?sku=41
|
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,
|
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.