Maurice River Recollections Project
Osprey Nest Anecdotes
Millville Industrial Park

Two osprey have been especially persistent about nesting on a telephone pole in the Millville Industrial Park near the Menantico Creek. Fortunately, the pole is at the end of a line and the electric company has disabled the electric to the pole. Unfortunately, the chicks continue to imprint to the structure so that as adults they may be more likely to be attracted to a similar setup. With a six-foot wingspan, it is possible for an osprey to span two hot wires, act as a conduit for current, and thus be electrocuted. In fact, many osprey die this way each year.

The nest has given me a chance to work with the lineman from the local electric company when it is time for banding. It is nice to see the interest that the workers have for being part of the process.

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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