Updated: 02.10.2024
The Center for Conservation Biology (CCB) at William and Mary is looking for PRIVATE Osprey nesting platforms anywhere in Virginia on the Chesapeake Bay or the bay waters where they can attach cameras to help in their Osprey research.
If you have an Osprey nesting platform in these waters and:
the platform is in the water
is a private platform
is not on a channel marker or close to ATONs
is reachable by boat in tidal waters
is strong enough to handle drilling into the platform
is not in navigable waters
your platform might be eligible to have a camera attached. You do not need to be a Master Naturalist to participate.
The good news is, you and your Osprey will provide the CCB data on Osprey breeding, feeding, and survival in Fleet's landing, important data in these times when Osprey chicks are starving in their nests. The data recorded on the camera will provide information on what type of fish is being delivered, how often fish are delivered and the survival rates.
There is no cost to you.
The bad news is, the camera is not live. You will not be able to watch your Osprey. The camera is motion activated and will be collected at the end of the breeding season, for researcher review.
If you have an Osprey nesting platform that meets these requirements and you would like to have a camera mounted on your nesting platform, or you would like more information, please contact Pam Narney pnarney@verizon.net or 804-761-1674.