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Osprey Platform
Minnesota Non-Game Wildlife Program's Osprey Platform
The information provided in this section is courtesy of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources' Non-Game Wildlife Program publication Woodworking for Wildlife: Homes for Birds and Mammals by Carol Henderson. This book contains plans and descriptions for 26 different wildlife homes and can be ordered for $9.95 plus postage and handling by calling 1-800-657-3757.
**A special thank you to Mr. Carol Henderson for allowing The Raptor Center to use his materials on-line**
Nest platforms and poles can be constructed in shallow bogs or wetlands that are frequented by ospreys. Or nest platforms can be placed at sites where the existing nest tree has fallen down. Platforms can be placed on old utility poles in open habitats or on "topped" super canopy pines, or on snags adjacent to a shoreline. Developed or intensively used recreation areas should be avoided. (However there is evidence that ospreys will tolerate a moderate amount of human activity in the area)
A 6 to 8 inch diameter cedar utility pole 20 to 30 feet long is adequate for an osprey nest platform. Poles can be placed in water, and the best time is from January through March. To install a pole, cut a 1 +' X 1 +' hole in the ice with a chain saw. A hole is then drilled into the soil under the ice with a hydraulic 8-inch auger mounted on the back of a utility company line truck. A 30 foot pole requires a 6-foot deep post hole. The butt end of the pole can be pointed to facilitate sliding the pole into the post hole. If a utility company auger truck is contracted to do this work, they will have the hydraulic equipment necessary to raise the pole into the ice hole with the nest attached.
Poles can also be placed on land by using an auger and digging a 5-foot deep hole. All nail and bolt holes are pre-drilled to prevent splitting. The wire mesh is nailed in the platform. The whole structure is treated with wood preservatives and stained brown. Steel braces are bolted to the platform. Lag screws are used to secure the platform to the pole or topped pine tree. Some sticks should be wired into the nest to help stimulate use by ospreys. (The Raptor Center strongly recommends this, we have observed ospreys taking nests with materials quicker than those without materials.)
Materials Needed for Osprey Nest Platform
- Two 2" X 6" X 12" cedar boards
- One 12" X 12" X +" exterior plywood
- One piece of 45" X 45" heavy duty wire mesh
- Forty galvanized 40D nails
- Four 1/8" X 1" X 30" steel strapping
- Eight 3" X +" bolts with washers and nuts
- Eight 4" X +" lag screws
- Wood Preservative and stain
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