Nest project helps ospreys make homes

Proud Newton Moore Senior High School students unveiled their environmental project aimed at helping Bunbury’s osprey population on October 20.

The community joined forces for the four-year project which included the construction of purpose-built nests perched nearly 20m off the ground on the banks of the Leschenault Inlet.

The school’s Science Horizon students designed the bird nests and thanks to a $10,000 Habitat Grant provided by Bunbury City Council, were able to organise fabrication and installation of the structures in prominent locations.

Year 9 student Mikisa Knuckey said the project had been an “amazing” experience.

“We all in the Science Horizon project have a love for the environment and all kinds of environmental science, Mikisa said.

“When this opportunity came up, our teachers jumped onto it and picked which students were best suited and it’s just been so amazing.”

Fellow Year 9 student Barton Rankin said it was “pretty cool” to be able to look back on the project in years to come and know he and his classmates had done it.

Inspired by community members, students from the Science Horizons specialist program were involved in background research and designing nest models that culminated in the grant funding being used for construction of the nests.

The two engineered nests at the top of 18.5m wooden poles – which were donated by Western Power and erected by the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions – are located near the mangrove boardwalk.

The strategic location was selected in an effort to keep the birds from nesting on man-made structures, such as light poles, which may lead to conflict or the destruction of nests.

City of Bunbury environmental officer Orla O’Donnell said ospreys were a familiar sight in Bunbury as they circled local waters looking for their next feed of fish.

“Osprey will nest in any location close to water and usually quite high up, so these specially-made nests will give them an excellent environment for many years to come,” Ms O’Donnell said.

“The school students conducted some impressive research that showed there was a decline in the osprey population due to a loss of nesting places, so these new nests will prove to be an important addition to their habitat.”

The project was made possible through support from community member John Cross and Cr Judy Jones, structural engineer Steve Woodhouse, Western Power, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions and the Newton Moore Senior High School students.

Osprey nests have also been used successfully in other areas, including the Bunbury Port.