The Osprey Cam Story

A Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife biologist identified and assessed a recently damaged osprey nest-platform for possible repair and installation of a WildWatchcam to observe the nesting behavior and prey species being utilized by the birds. It was determined that for this project to be effective most materials and technical assistance would need to be donated to the cause! The dedicated team quickly developed- the inviting private landowners Gene and Regan; a dedicated wood craftsman Geoffry Carson and his wife Dee to donate platform materials, shop and hours of time to design and construct the new osprey platform; a highly skilled climber Tim Brown who was cable of using block and tackle to safely lower many pounds of old platform debris lodged in the huge Douglas fir to the ground and raise the new light-weight but sizeable platform to the very tip of the 180’ tree-top. The team was coordinated by local WDFW, wildlife biologist Michelle Tirhi and camera aspects covered by WDFW, WildWatchcam coordinator Chuck Gibilisco and Americorps assistant Lauren Seyda. Two work days were required to install and activate the new nest platform and camera. Many volunteer hours and dollars were contributed to this project. We hope you enjoy the views!

CLICK IMAGES TO ENLARGE
Dedicated team members	The tree and immediate site
Ropes, pulleys and other equipment being checked by climber Tim Brown	WDFW staff disconnects old nest platform debris and rotten tree-top from ropes
New osprey nest platform on it’s way to the tree-top	Tim Brown attaches the platform to the Douglas fir top

OspreyCam Story

Ospreys in Oregon and the Pacific Northwest [PDF]

Osprey Information [Cornell Bird Guide]

Fish and Chicks...The Story of the Maurice River Osprey

Osprey Fact Sheet [Hinterland Who's Who]

Osprey Infomation [Royal Society for the Protection of Birds]

Friends of Blackwater

Osprey Watch - BBCi

Dennis Puleston Osprey Fund