Ospreys that once faced extinction from exposure to pesticides are making such a comeback in Westport that Longshore Club Park and Staples High School senior Alex Nitkin are working together to provide a place for the birds as breeding season begins. They installed Longshore's second osprey platform for the ospreys this week.
Almstead Foreman Mike Perez and Eagle Scout Alex Nitkin at the osprey platform installation site.
Installing the osprey platform.The project was part of 17-year-old Alex Nitkin's effort to earn Eagle Scouts status. Thanks to him, the two osprey males spotted battling over the single existing platform can resolve their differences amicably.
The V-shaped platform was lifted in a cherry-picker bucket and bolted atop a telephone pole 45 feet above the ground. Mike Perez, whose labor was volunteered by Almstead Tree & Shrub Care Company, made a second trip in the bucket with sticks and branches which he arranged to simulate a nest to make the platform even more enticing to prospective occupants.
Excerpt and photos taken from the Westport Patch- 3/28/10. View the full story.
