Photos from the Field: Raising up hope in 2021

Eagle Scout candidate Kyle Agudo and Boy Scout Troop 61 give ospreys a boost in the new year

Ben Wurst, Habitat Program Manager

Humans have played a key role in the recovery and stability of nesting ospreys throughout New Jersey and beyond. Today around 75% of the population, close to 500 pairs, rely on nest platforms designed specifically for them. They provide a stable nest platform, adequate perches, and protection from potential ground predators, aka raccoons. Many platforms are located in very close proximity to people, which make for excellent viewing and educational opportunities. Ospreys are a symbol of a healthy coast and resiliency in a dynamic region.

Over time wood decays and these nest platforms need to be replaced, as pictured above. Those that are built to our specs, using treated lumber and stainless screws and galvanized bolts, can last for more than a decade. Though, some periodic maintenance is required to ensure their long term stability. In recent years we have been more proactive in preventing premature failure of nest platforms by removing the heavy, moisture laden nesting material as it builds up, which puts more stress on the wood nestboxes.

Last summer we were notified of a platform, which hosted a nesting pair, on Motts Creek that had fallen down. We found this nest in late 2019 and it was still standing but in very poor condition. It was likely installed by a local resident many years ago and never reported to www.osprey-watch.org. In comes Kyle Agudo and Boy Scout Troop 61 from Manahawkin. Kyle is an Eagle Scout candidate and for his Eagle Scout Project, he chose to help our nesting ospreys.

As part of his project, Kyle built one complete platform and ten nestboxes for us to use throughout New Jersey to repair aging nest platforms. The platform that was down on Motts Creek is one that we chose to replace with the platform that Kyle and his Troop built. We set out to install the platform last Saturday, when mild temperatures made fieldwork much more bearable during this time of year. We met at a nearby saltmarsh landing on Motts Creek Road and shuttled the platform and work crew to the marsh. Kyle and his fellow Scouts worked together to disassemble and remove the old platform. Then they dug a hole for the new platform, which was installed in less than 15 minutes.

We’ve sponsored many Eagle Scouts over the years and are very gracious for their support! We hope to have Kyle join us to repair some other nest platforms with his nestboxes later this winter. Thanks to Kyle and other Eagle Scouts, ospreys have their best chance of raising young.

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Thank you to Kathy Agudo for the photos in the gallery below!

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If you know of a Boy Scout who is looking for an Eagle Scout Project and would like to help our ospreys, we are always looking to engage them in our work. Please shoot me an email if interested.