I know that this posting does not give any news about exciting rarities to be found within the province but I feel that Ontbirders may be interested to read of the developments at this particular Osprey nest on the cell-phone tower at Yonge and Jefferson Sideroad, just north of Richmond Hill.
According to an eye-witness, on the 26th of April the nest was visited and destroyed by a work-crew contracted by Rogers. Apparently, the nest was thrown from the top of the tower while the crew protected themselves from potentially angry parent Ospreys by setting off firecrackers. Eggshell was subsequently found amongst the nest debris at the foot of the tower. The work-crew then installed a flashing light and a screen to prevent re-nesting. This all happened the day before I first observed the Ospreys at this tower and so in fact my observation was of the pair re-building. As of yesterday (11th May) the female appears to be laying or incubating eggs, with the male in close attendance. Could someone please inform me as to why the Osprey nest was removed. Is it because of interference with cell-phone reception? Was somebody concerned that the electro-magnetic radiation from the tower will result in giant mutant Osprey chicks which will then go on a rampage of death and destruction throughout Richmond Hill? Was the destruction of the nest OKed by a manager who happens to be a jealous fisherman? I would love to know, especially since Ospreys nesting atop cell-phone towers appears to be becoming a habit - there is another pair at the junction of Bloomington and Hwy 404. Incidentally, I have been informed that Ospreys, being birds of prey, are not covered under the Migratory Bird Act! So, Ospreys are apparently not migrants. Somebody should tell the birds. Somehow birders in Ontario have been overlooking the large number of Ospreys which presumably are keeping a low profile somewhere in the province. Good birding. Paul Prior _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list [email protected] For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/
