PROJECT 6 - 2004 LAKE BARKLEY OSPREY PAIR - AT RISK

By Tom Fusco

Ospreys are opportunistic birds! They sometimes select less than ideal locations for nesting attempts. Some sites may not be adequate for supporting a large osprey nest and may even be a dangerous site for adults and young. Last year (2003), a pair of ospreys attempted to build a nest a short distance above a power pole transformer near Lake Barkley. The ospreys were not successful with their efforts, producing a pile of sticks that kept falling to the ground. This spring (2004) the pair returned and attempted to build another nest at the same location with the same results.  Electric company linemen were contacted to observe the osprey’s efforts. The company concluded that there was a potential danger if the birds were successful in establishing a nest on the power pole directly over a high voltage transformer.  I told the linemen about KEEP’s efforts to provide safe and effective osprey-nesting platforms at Lake Barkley for an expanding osprey nesting population. The electric company immediately contacted Ed Ray, Director of KEEP for information.

Using advice and plans from Ed, the electric company quickly erected a new 45 ft. pole with a custom-built osprey-nesting platform adjacent to the dangerous transformer nesting attempt site. Within a few days, the ospreys began construction of their nest on the new platform a safe distance from the transformer.  I am glad to report that the ospreys were successful and fledged one chick this summer!  A unique aspect of this site is that it is about a half mile from the shore of Lake Barkley. Because this nesting site is on land, it could serve as an easy to maintain web cam location. The electric company donated the new pole and platform to KEEP and continues support for our new successful osprey nest and potential cam project! The property owner has also stated support and assistance for a possible live cam effort. We hope this nest may be shared with Internet viewers next spring if necessary funding becomes available for needed camera and computer equipment.