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Hi Steve,
A couple of years ago Neil Fifer photograped one of
my colour-banded Ospreys at Narrabeen Lagoon. I had banded it at Woodford
Island near Maclean, on the Clarence River. It was the longest movement
recorded for the species in Australia. I think that three birds were
subsequently seen but none were carrying bands. I hope observers are
looking out for bands on this breeding pair. There is a master colour (red
or green) on the right leg with two other colours on the left. It is
important for people to note which colour is above which e.g blue over green or
green over blue, as I use both possible combinations.
With respect to artificial nest platforms I have
mixed feelings. Certainly they have assisted in the recovery of the
species in New South Wales from the 10-15 known pairs that I recorded during
NPWS surveys in 1980-81 and nests on poles
are more accessible for banding. However, they need artificial
structures because their natural nest sites have been destroyed, along with all
of the other plant and fauna species that usually co-exist with them. In the
early eighties an Osprey nest in a partially dead tree also housed a roosting
Barn Owl and a Squirrel Glider. It would be a sad day if very Osprey in New
South Wales was born on a pole.
Regards
Greg
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