Florida: Ospreys share home with Hillsborough Parks.

Ospreys, who make their nest in light poles in many Hillsborough County Parks, Recreation and Conservation Department (PRC) sports complexes, will be receiving new nest sites that will benefit both the osprey and the public. The first prototype nesting platform and moving of an osprey nest took place in November at Vance Vogel Park.

In Florida many ospreys nest on humanmade structures such as light poles, towers and channel markers. The nest is usually taller than surrounding trees and as close as possible to suitable foraging areas. Florida ospreys initiate breeding in February and March and continue through May and June. The typical nest on sports lighting poles sits atop the cross arms and lights where the nest may catch fire due to heat generated from the lights. Nesting material also extends over the lights cutting down on the candlepower that illuminates the playing fields.

The new nesting platforms are made from aluminum and are durable and lightweight. The 48" x 48" platforms weigh approximately 60 pounds, which includes bracing and mounting hardware. The platforms will be mounted by Himes Electric Inc., and they will also assist in moving existing nests along with a staff member from our conservation services team. Permits are required from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to move osprey nest. PRC plans to duplicate this effort in other sports complexes when lighting poles are updated.