With population on the increase and new developments popping up across the Florida landscape, natural habitats continue to decline, including nesting sites for the Osprey. As a result, Ospreys are building nests on man-made structures, such as utility poles.
In west central Florida, Tampa Electric has initiated a program in its service area to make sure that these special neighbors choose nesting sites in safer environs. The company is relocating Osprey nests to specially built platforms to protect the birds from electrical dangers. Crews are also building platform nesting sites in area parks and conservation areas.
The Osprey, a fish eating hawk, captures its prey by hovering, then plunging feet-first into the water to grab its live dinner in its powerful talons. The osprey is generally 24 inches tall with a 6-foot wingspan. The female bird is larger than its male mate and has a dark streak on her chest, forming a necklace. The osprey, although very powerful, is gentle and rarely harms other birds. It is smaller than the Bald Eagle and will readily relinquish its prey to an eagle.
Unlike eagles, the Osprey is not a scavenger and will only feed upon live fish. That is why Ospreys typically build their nests near water stocked with an abundant supply. They prefer to build their nest at the highest point where they have clear view of their surroundings.
Sometimes that highest point is a Tampa Electric utility pole.
Tampa Electric has a permit that allows the company to relocate the nest before the nest has live eggs or young. Ospreys are normally determined to occupy their chosen nest sites so the company generally places a platform at the top of the same pole or on a nearby pole. Another option is installing a separate pole away from the utility line.
Tampa Electric has relocated more than 40 Osprey nests during the past five years. In addition, the company has donated nesting sites to provide habitat for the species. In 2001, the company donated eight nesting sites in Wolf Branch Preserve, Fish Hawk Trails, and North Apollo Beach Park. The company has worked with the City of Tampa to install four nesting sites in city parks during 2002, including Picnic Island, Al Lopez, Sulfur Springs, and Rivercrest Parks.
Ospreys are protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and State of Florida regulations.
