Osprey de Corps

We were called about an incubating female Osprey, nesting on an artificial platform at the end of a rockwork jetty in Alameda, a bird whose foot was entangled in a large swatch of tough construction fabric. Surprisingly, she was still able to fly, but not hunt. Fortunately the pair is in a phase of the nesting cycle when the male brings her fish during the day while she remains on their eggs. Thus began the most time-consuming, personnel-intensive, complex capture undertaken by Bay Raptor Rescue.

Hours of research into scientific literature, consultation with raptor biologists, aided by Osprey mavens Tony Brake and Yvonne McHugh, resulted in a rescue plan that seemed safe for the birds and eggs, with a good chance of success. Our research determined that Ospreys, unlike some other birds, do not abandon their eggs after a disturbance of the nest. Construction of a custom trap took two days, after a survey trip to the nest to take measurements. We assembled a team of raptor colleagues to help carry the ladders, trap, and other equipment across the rugged rockwork jetty, assist with the Osprey, and then decamp quickly once the fabric was removed.

Thanks to all who contributed to this operation, having spent hours rehearsing our moves and responses to various scenarios, and doing the hauling. They are: The capture team: Paul Romanak, Jen Gale, Sean Patrick Parnell, Sarah Erb Parnell, and I. Nest monitors: Verne Nelson and Leora Feeney. Overwatch / coördinaton: Tony Brake and Yvonne McHugh. Access permission: BayShip Alameda Point Harbor Management and Power Engineering Construction. Bay Raptor Rescue expenses were subsidized by generous contributions from Ryan Bakalarski and Marcus Miller of Helm Real Estate.