OSPREY Couple Make The Pink House a Home

Just in time for Mother's Day! An Osprey couple have been building a nest in The Pink House chimney.  And a whole new world of Pink House lovers have come out of the woodwork, observing from afar, driving out to see them, joining out social media pages, and speaking up for the cause- to keep the iconic house right where it is. 

Last year, sticks and straw were seen sticking out of the chimney. We called it to FWS'  attention then, concerned that an animal had gotten into the house. A commenter on our pages said they saw a bird trying last year so we assume some of that has formed the base for this year.  There likely is a screen within the chimney at a certain depth to hold the softer grasses and bedding that he began by bringing to her in little bits, then bigger and longer swaths of grasses.

The female Osprey waits and watches for her partner to come with materials. PC: Sandy Tilton

PC: Michael Cataldo

The female primarily stays at the site, arranging what he brings to her, tucking things in just so to her satisfaction. Then she waits, until she sees him approaching once again.  

​Once the base was established, he began to bring sticks... and more sticks. 

Beautiful capture by Joyce Wood

While the initial sizes were good, as pictured here, he naturally began to bring bigger ones to build out as they would on a wider platform, but many were so big they fell off before they could stabilize them. As a result quite a bit have collected themselves in the corners on the roof. At least it's there for them to repurpose!  

​This has been a tiring task for the male, who was seen putting his head on the female's chest after days of brining really big branches that weren't the right size.

PC: Joyce Wood

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The usually time to start a nest is in April, and this couple started in early May... Some are speculating they are young and practicing. Time will tell. If they succeed, they will have eggs, then chicks who need to grow to being fully fledged. Nesting season should take us into the end of August sometime.  

Delighted as all are to have the opportunity to observe this, please do so quietly, and from as far away as possible, to respect their need for space and calm. She needs to feel secure to have her babies.   

Please share this blog on your social media or via email. Stay tuned, as we keep you updated. We have some new developments to post about!
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