Little remains of the once iconic and much photographed eastern osprey (Pandion cristatus) nest which has sat atop a power pole near the corner of Green Point Drive and The Lakes Way, Green Point for more than six years.
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It survived the devastating 2019 bushfires, but it would seem it could not withstand the powerful winds and storms which cut through the Great Lakes in late March.
According to MidCoast Council senior ecologist, Mat Bell the nesting platform had been installed by the energy supply authority on a decommissioned power pole when the ospreys began nesting on a live power pole nearby.
Mr Bell was hopeful the ospreys would return and re-build the nest in the same location this coming winter.
"If we can encourage the ospreys to return we will discuss this with the energy company and undertake supporting actions to assist the ospreys' return," he said.
Experts say the osprey does not breed two seasons in succession, but pairs breed at the same nest building site, a huge structure made of sticks, driftwood and seaweed, sometimes measuring two metres across and two metres tall.
The size and shape is determined by the nest-site and how long it has been used
The bird breeds from April to February with females laying clutches of one to four eggs.
With a diet consisting mainly of fish species, the Great Lakes has provided the osprey will ideal living conditions.
Eastern ospreys usually mate for life.
From our archives:
Jeanene Duncan
Jeanene has more than 40 years experience as a regional and rural journalist starting at The Land Newspaper. She also worked for Stock Journal Newspaper (SA), McPherson, Fairfax newspapers and Rural Press, and contributed to various magazines.
Jeanene has more than 40 years experience as a regional and rural journalist starting at The Land Newspaper. She also worked for Stock Journal Newspaper (SA), McPherson, Fairfax newspapers and Rural Press, and contributed to various magazines.
