What an accomplishment! After obtaining expert consultation from osprey experts, sourcing materials, and building the edifice, with encouragement from the sidelines and a bit of support from QCC, here is the Getman team raising the Quonnie osprey nest platform this winter.

Chris Getman constructed the original nest platform years ago. When it fell apart after years of service, the next generation of Getman’s took over to build this new platform, after consultation with the CT Audubon osprey nest expert Terry Shaw.

Fingers crossed the Osprey take to the new nest! On behalf of the entire community, we want to thank the Getman’s (and others involved in this project), as we all look forward to the amazing site of Ospreys nesting in our community!

The intrepid Getman family team, who braved the winter to put up the nest platform, included Hilary, Erik, Henry and Evie Pearson, Charlie and Chris Cunningham, and John, Sheila, Glenn and Will Sherwin. Thanks to all for a job well done!

As background, Ospreys winter primarily in Mexico and the Caribbean before returning north to breed in late March or early April. In the wild, Ospreys often live 7-10 years, although some birds survive 25 years or longer – with Ospreys typically returning to the same platform year after year. With nesting platforms lasting roughly 20 years, we’ve probably been experiencing only one, two or at most three pairs nesting in our community since the start of the millennium. When they leave on their annual migration, the nest remains intact until they return – reflecting that it gets reused each year. While some nesting material will be added to the new platform, this spring we will get a chance to see them build a new nest, which will be especially fun to watch!