By Ben Wurst
This is a project that we’ve dreamed about for some time. As you may know, much of our work with ospreys has been centered around Barnegat Bay, where the population has grown from around 60 pairs to over 140 nesting pairs over the past decade. This new camera will help us raise awareness for protecting this important indicator species in the Barnegat Bay watershed, who have direct implications for the health of our coastal environment.
We managed to get the camera online before the female laid the first egg, which is something that we didn’t want to miss! The pair have been working on the nest and have enjoyed feeding on flounder and a striped bass (pictured above). We specifically made the perch that’s attached to the nest 12″ long, so we can size up their catch.
The male is banded, so one of the first things we did with the camera was to identify him. His band (788-49033) shows that he was banded as a nestling on July 12, 2006 at a nest in Sedge Islands State Wildlife Management Area, only 2.6 miles away from where he nests today!
Special thanks to the Osprey Foundation for allowing us to be able to share these wonderful birds and the natural beauty of the LBI Region with the world!
Ben, congratulations! Having relished your class at last year’s Pine Barrens Short Course, I know your devotion to these special birds, in all seasons, all weathers, all conditions. Mary Wood and I are delighted that you have achieved this cam! And to use the perch as a measurement – sheer genius. May only the highest good come to and from this osprey family, and all humans who tend to the species. So grateful — perfect to learn of new life about to emerge, at Eastertime. Smiles, Carolyn Edelmann, Lawrenceville NJ
Well done Ben! Another success and it’ll be terrific to watch this nest. Thanks also for the identification tips.