Finding a suitable place to build a nest can be a challenge for osprey that live along the Alabama coast. Thanks to an early restoration project approved by the Trustees in late 2015, osprey now have five new nesting platforms to choose from in Mobile and Baldwin counties. The Osprey Restoration in Coastal Alabama project provided these additional locations to increase the nesting success of osprey and help mitigate the injuries they suffered due to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill.
The large poles and platforms have been installed by the Alabama Coastal Foundation at Delta Port Marina (Coden), Penalver Park (Dauphin Island), Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge (Baldwin County), Mo’s Landing (Gulf Shores), and Gulf State Park (Orange Beach).
As we work along the coast, it is the Trustees’ responsibility to comply with all applicable laws and regulations, including preservation of historical artifacts in accordance with the National Historic Preservation Act. To ensure we’re meeting those responsibilities, we increased the project budget by about $5,000 to support archaeological monitoring and inspection during installation of the large nesting platforms.
We’re very excited the installation of the platforms has been completed and hope to see osprey using them during nesting season this spring. Please watch our web page for additional updates.