Lolo osprey nest benefits from "home improvement" project

38 minutes 18 seconds ago by Dennis Bragg - KPAX News

LOLO - You might call it 'Osprey Home Makeover', as construction specialists do a little remodeling to the big nest at a Lolo guest ranch.

Thousands have seen the nest at from the topside, watching last year as 'Ozzie' and 'Harriet' welcomed new chicks into the world.

But the osprey's nest, which was moved off an adjacent power pole about five years ago, has been gradually developing a 'list' to the side. That raised concerns the nest could collapse, presenting not only a problem for the birds, but for the ranch's guests in the riding arena below.

So this week, took to the air for repairs. Using a lift to take them nearly 50 feet off the ground, the crew carefully measured the existing nest, and then added more supports to stabilize it.

That will not only keep the 100 pound plus nest from falling, but should also make it more stable in the frequent winds that blew through the northern end of the Bitterroot Valley.

The work didn't disturb the osprey at all, since they still haven't returned for the spring. However, there was a limited window to get the repairs accomplished, since the project was already delayed by the weather. 'Ozzie' and 'Harriet' should be back to inspect the remodeling around April 1st.

Once again this year, the Friends of Dunrovin will be sponsoring online contests for people to guess the osprey's arrival, the first egg to hatch and other notable events through the spring and summer.

Some of the proceeds from those contests will benefit charitable educational and scientific activities of the Friends of Dunrovin, and the Five Valleys and Bitterroot Land Trusts.

Thanks to the expert work this week we won't be guessing whether the nest will stay in place.