Ospreys in the News!

Salvaged platform placed inside Forsythe NWR is made from A.C. Boardwalk!

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

Running the numbers

In the past five years I've built, installed, and repaired a bunch of osprey platforms, from Lavalette to Alloways Creek in Salem County. Since 2006 all the platforms have been paid for by private funding through either mitigation or by donations (Thank you to all the people who have donated money to the project and who volunteered to help me install them -Thanks!-).

Over the years I've added my own "personal" tweaks in the design to create a strong and safe structure for ospreys to nest on for decades. The platform also needs to be accessible for future monitoring, which means it must be within reach of an extension ladder and that it can support the weight of the bander. I've also been collecting a lot of salvaged lumber that I've found while out on the saltmarsh (for now it's a stockpile at home and at the office). Soon I'm planning on building one completely out of salvaged lumber! So as time goes on the osprey platform will evolve along with humans and ospreys to better fit a changing world.

50 platforms total!

How many will be installed in 2009? (Hint: 14 platforms have already been built)
Take a guess in my poll!