Nesting Platform Built at Yankee Pier to Draw Osprey back to the NYC Harbor
May 1, 2013 1:26 pm
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Osprey Platform[/caption] Governors Island is hoping to welcome back more than just visitors this season… The New York Harbor Osprey Initiative builds platforms for osprey nesting and breeding to encourage the birds to return to the waterfront as part of their natural migration patterns. The group has just installed a new twenty foot tall nesting platform on the southern arm of Governors Island’s own Yankee Pier. The building of these osprey platforms marks the culmination of two years of effort by Bart Chezer and the New York Harbor Osprey Initiative. The osprey, also knows as the “sea hawk”, used to be prevalent in New York’s Harbor when it was largely marsh and woodland. The osprey is the second-largest raptor currently in existence. Its wingspan can stretch up to two feet. Osprey were driven to near-extinction due to the prevalence of chemicals such as DDT. Since they were banned in the United States in 1971, osprey numbers are only just now starting to recover. The New York Harbor Osprey Initiative is the result of a collaboration between the following organizations. SCAPE, NY/NJ Baykeeper, NY Harbor School, NYC Economic Development Corporation, the Brooklyn Bird Club, Cambium Studio, Daskam & Dworkis, AECOM, COSTCO, American Express, Horizon Wood Products, Phoenix Marine, and SIMS Metal Management.