Working on our saltmarsh rehabilitation project, REF Inc has been working with its partners to control as much weed as possible around the large saltmarsh area at the end of the Silcock Street Reserve. Last week we were working with a team from Conservation Volunteers Australia when I noticed that the Osprey’s nest adjacent to the Redcliffe Golf Club has been diminished. The ospreys themselves were not to be seen anywhere.
This gave us a chance to reflect on their presence in the area. For the past four years they have provided a highlight for many visitors and volunteers to the project area. On a number of community days including bushcare and Green Army events the breeding pair looked down from their roost as if to approve the work being done to enhance the area. At different times we would often catch glimpses of their chicks (three sets from our count) or se one of the adult birds at their feeding tree with a fish caught from the adjacent Hays Inlet.
Their nest has disintegrated, although the tree is still strong and clear at the top. According to bird experts, they may well return and rebuild the nest in the near future. Alternatively they may have found a new roosting tree, hopefully nearby. One thing is for certain, we will be keeping our eyes out to see what happens next. They are an apex predator and have shown us that there are still fish to be caught in Hays Inlet. They are a fantastic bird to watch in the wild, for some a real privilege to see them go about their daily routine. They remind us why we care about the area, so let’s hope they rebuild their nest so we can enjoy their presence each time we visit the reserve.
This gave us a chance to reflect on their presence in the area. For the past four years they have provided a highlight for many visitors and volunteers to the project area. On a number of community days including bushcare and Green Army events the breeding pair looked down from their roost as if to approve the work being done to enhance the area. At different times we would often catch glimpses of their chicks (three sets from our count) or se one of the adult birds at their feeding tree with a fish caught from the adjacent Hays Inlet.
Their nest has disintegrated, although the tree is still strong and clear at the top. According to bird experts, they may well return and rebuild the nest in the near future. Alternatively they may have found a new roosting tree, hopefully nearby. One thing is for certain, we will be keeping our eyes out to see what happens next. They are an apex predator and have shown us that there are still fish to be caught in Hays Inlet. They are a fantastic bird to watch in the wild, for some a real privilege to see them go about their daily routine. They remind us why we care about the area, so let’s hope they rebuild their nest so we can enjoy their presence each time we visit the reserve.
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