Maurice River Recollections Project
Osprey Nest Anecdotes
Trailer Park Dike

The platform was positioned in 2002. It got its name from the closest upland activity – a trailer park. These birds continually were building along a dike remnant left in the aftermath of farmed marshland in the early half of the 1900s. One snag after another just did not seem productive, and year after year, the nest collapsed or failed. Some of the nests were especially low to the marsh plain and likely made a great lunchbox for raccoons and opossums. The new structure has been very successful. But that remnant must simply be irresistible to osprey, because pairs have persisted a few hundred feet away from the Trailer Park nest. In fact, for the past few years, a bird has been a successful neighbor. Inevitably, it has collapsed under its own weight. The birds know what they like and quite possibly, they are giving the Trailer Park's density a run for its money. State biologist Kathy Clark offers an enthusiastic, often-repeated remark, “Yeah, you gotta love a bird that makes a natural nest!” Who could argue with that? This would be an appropriate time to offer that Kathy is a pioneer in the recovery of osprey in NJ- so when you see an osprey fly overhead be sure to tip your hat to her.

This particular stretch of river is frequented by eagles and aerial fights are a common occurrence; so much so, that a group of birders saw an argument that occurred when the osprey was put in its place and bore the cuts from the ensuing battle. Osprey/eagle arguments are extremely interesting. Osprey use their smaller, more agile wings, with their greater maneuverability, to their advantage, while the eagle uses strategy and bulk. The match of wills makes for a very action-packed test. The eagle seeks to gain higher elevations to provide the speed it can gain in a stoop, or swift downward descent.

 

natural nest

The natural nest fell in the 2008-09 winter; some birds just overbuild.

 

natural nest close to ground

This nest, built on the same dike, was so close to the ground that predators had easy pickings.

 

collapsed nest

Most nests built along this dike have collapsed.

 

tamping in mud at base of nest

Tamping in mud at base of nest after hoisting, notice natural nest in background.

 

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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