Several weeks ago, the DNR began the construction of three new nest platforms in the eastern part of the State. Two of the platforms were erected in the Saint Clair flats area, where ospreys have been sighted over the past few years. The third platform was installed at Metro Beach Metropark.

This photo shows the beginning steps in erecting a platform. The DNR crew are driving three pieces of 2 inch well casing into the bottom of the lake at precise distances and angles from each other.

OWSEM member Renee Render was invited to tag along to photograph the activities.

Renee Render photo; used with permission

With the legs in place, the platform "cap" is installed. The uprights around the perimeter keep the nesting material, sticks, from being blown off by the wind.

To attract an osprey, a number of sticks are placed on the platform. This "jump starts" the nest building process!

Renee Render photo; used with permission

The final step is to add bracing between the legs for additional strength and stability.

Experience has shown that without these braces, the platform is more succeptable to damage when the ice goes out in the spring, especially if there are high winds.

Renee Render photo; used with permission

When OWSEM members Jim and Kathy Kortge arrived at the Lake Nepessing Cell Tower nest, it appeared to be abandoned. They got out their binoculars and spotting scope and waited for about 30 minutes for any signs of an osprey.

They were about ready to pack up and leave when this male osprey arrived with a fish. They were guessing it was C37, but couldn't see any leg bands. He ate on the fish for a short time, then took off with it to the East and flew out of sight.

Jim Kortge photo; used with permission

He returned a short time later with the partially eaten fish, and delivered it to the nest.

From our vantage point, we could not see any activity in the nest, so didn't know whether he dropped it into an empty nest, or delivered it to his mate. A bull dozer was working below and adjacent to the cell tower monopole, so hearing any osprey calls was impossible due to the noise.

Jim Kortge photo; used with permission

The first evidence that our male osprey might be C37 was when he left the nest and dropped down to perch on one of the tower's antennas. (These were his favorite perches last year)

With his legs down, we could get a glimpse of bands on both legs. The one on the left leg was a green hacking band.

Jim Kortge photo; used with permission

We got a good look at that green hacking band when C37 needed to scratch his head. Although we could not see the band number, we could determine that it was indeed green and had double rivets through the tab. Those double rivets were also seen last year.

We're quite sure this male is C37, returning for his third nesting season, but his hacking band number still needs to be verified. That's a challenge for others interested in watching this nest during the summer!

Jim Kortge photo, used with permission