Check out these nest cameras!

The season has started! To view a nest camera on a platform on the Chesapeake Bay click here. Or if eagles interest you, click here for a link to a camera on a bald eagle nest at Duke Farms in Hillsborough, NJ.

Purchase artwork and help support this project!!

I wanted to share a link to my online store on Etsy.com where I sell custom framed photos, mostly of ospreys and other wildlife that I've photographed while working in the field. I make the frames from reclaimed or salvaged wood I find that would otherwise be tossed in a landfill. From now through April, if anyone buys a framed print on my store, I'll donate 15% to the Conserve Wildlife Foundation of NJ. Please mention my blog when you make your purchase.

My Etsy Store: http://southmaple24.etsy.com


-Ben

Asbury Park Press Article

Read the article about the 10 platforms online today. This is the same article that was in the Tuckerton Beacon last week. Click here.

Special thanks to Paula Scully for joining us for the installation and for writing such a great article!

Good publicity is Key.

Without good publicity and faithful volunteers for this project, then there would be no project!
Thank you all for your support!

Article from Tuckerton Beacon/Asbury Park Press on 3/19/09.

A great article from a long time friend and volunteer, Jack Gamble who helped install these platforms: http://www.babeled.com/2009/03/16/installing-osprey-nest-platforms/

A fun install day!

Kevin Holcomb, USFWS biologist operates the air boat.

Today I was assisted by USFWS biologists while we installed two platforms inside the eastern impoundment at Forsythe NWR in Oceanville. We used the air boat shown above to transport people and the platforms to the sites where they were installed. The air was so cool and it's impact on the mud and marsh is much less than having people try and cross a ditch at low tide.
We were accompanied by a photographer from the Asbury Park Press. The photos will be with an article, about the grant from Exelonto install all these platforms in and around Great Bay. It will be in the newspaper on Friday. There will also be an article in the Tuckerton Beacon on Thursday.

Great Bay Project Complete!!!

Photos from our Great Bay Osprey Enhancement Project:

Great Bay Osprey Enhancement Project - funded by Exelon - Oyster Creek

Keeping an eye out

As mid-March approaches, so does the Osprey. Usually along the Maurice River the first ospreys are seen pretty early in the month, but I have not heard of on being seen yet. Usually along the Atlantic Coast, most arrive mid to late March. I usually always see the first one driving to or from work along the G.S.P. from exit 50 to exit 25.

Otherwise, I've been busy working on various projects, especially the Peregrine Project, where I've been installing new "prototype" predator guards to replace the very old ones. The old ones always required annual maintenance; now there will be very little maint. to do. Click here for a link to Conserve Wildlife Foundation's blog where I posted a story and links to pictures.

Platform installed on Manhassett Creek, Monmouth Beach on Sunday.

I've also been busy installing, repairing, and in some cases moving platforms before ospreys arrive. Over the last two days I've installed one Monmouth Beach for a pair of ospreys that tried to nest on a power pole last year and we finally got permission to place a platform on private property, so I jumped on the opportunity. It'll be interesting to see if the pair returns and if they will use the platform.


View Larger Map

This week I'll be transporting and installing 10 osprey platforms inside Great Bay Blvd. WMA. Stay tuned for photos from this project!

Keep you eyes open and you might see one of the first ospreys to return to New Jersey for the breeding season!