Osprey Nest Relocated From Huntington Lighthouse Entrance Dock

HUNTINGTON, NY — A nest crafted by two ospreys on the Huntington waterfront was successfully moved after experts feared for the birds' safety due to the nest's previous location.

The osprey nest was discovered on the entrance dock to the Huntington Lighthouse in early May, according to a news release. Ospreys will often seek the highest location to build a nest, but this pair settled on a lower — and very vulnerable — spot on the walkway leading up to the offshore lighthouse.

The ospreys were likely young and built what was believed to be a starter nest, according to the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC).

"This could be their first nest," DEC wildlife biologist Chip Hamilton said via news release. "They are just trying to figure out life, and thought this could be as good a location as any."

Officials from the Huntington Lighthouse Preservation Society called Hamilton's office when the nest was discovered, as lighthouse officials feared the nest's spot exposed the pair — and their potential offspring — to curious boaters and animal predators.

Lighthouse officials acted fast after the DEC determined the nest should be moved.

Frank Scobbo, of Scobbo Contractors, donated time and resources to build an 8-foot tall metal pole supporting a large wooden platform on the open water side of the lighthouse. Paul Kaiser, of Kaiser Marine, was also instrumental in getting the new home quickly built. The pole and platform were drilled into granite boulders within sight of the old nest under the DEC's guidance.

"It was important that the new nest be in the sightline of the old location," Hamilton said. "In addition, osprey’s build their nests in approximately the same location every year, making it even more important to offer a safer alternative to the young couple. Once the new structure was approved, a plan was hatched to move the birds, and their one egg."

Lighthouse President Pam Setchell worked closely with the DEC throughout the entire process.

"The safety of the nesting pair was our priority," she said. "A plan came together quickly, thanks to the DEC and the generosity of Scobbo Construction and Kaiser Marine. They literally dropped everything to get the platform built, ensuring the successful relocation of the nest."

On moving day, a small team, including Hamilton and DEC associate Sean Wiedemann, made its way to the lighthouse. The parenting ospreys circled and watched as Hamilton and Wiedemann scooped up the egg and deftly moved the sticks and twigs that make up an osprey nest. With the help of a ladder, the nest was reassembled and the egg carefully returned. The entire process took less than 15 minutes.

"Almost two weeks of planning, and it all happened really quickly," Setchell said.

The crew retreated, and mom and dad returned to their new penthouse location.

"We’ve been monitoring the new nest from afar, and we are thrilled to report that the ospreys are in residence," Setchell said. "This is certainly the exact, gratifying outcome we hoped for when we started this mission."

Osprey nests have become common sightings around Long Island’s marshy shorelines, a testament to the birds' rebound from near extinction back in the 1960s.

Better protection of ospreys, as well as the elimination of DDT as a pesticide, have led to their success. Ospreys are still protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, and disturbing an active nest is a federal and state offense. Every March, ospreys make their way back to Long Island from winter destinations, and in April, up to four eggs are laid and incubated. The summer months are spent rearing hatchlings, and the new family migrates south from Long Island, usually sometime in August.

It remains to be seen if the lighthouse’s newest residents will welcome a young chick this season. The presence of just one egg is not a positive sign, according to officials.

"But we won’t know for sure for another week or so," Hamilton said.

Fortunately for fans of the lighthouse, summer tours and the venerable Lighthouse Music Festival have both been approved for the season.

"We are working to ensure summer tours can safely continue for the birds and our guests," Setchell said. "And we are thrilled that our popular music festival is also a go, as the birds will have departed by that time."