On behalf of Kitsap Audubon, I want to thank the North Kitsap Herald for its generous coverage of Kitsap Audubon’s Poulsbo osprey project (“Young osprey orphan is rejected in a Poulsbo nest,” page A20, Sept. 12 Herald).

Kitsap Audubon has led efforts to relocate the osprey family nesting on a light pole in Poulsbo’s Strawberry Field. We’re also grateful for the wonderful support from the North Kitsap School District and Puget Sound Energy.

The ospreys think they have the perfect location to raise their young. The light pole provides a commanding view so eagles can’t snatch their young. A diversion pond nearby is stocked with fish by the Poulsbo Lions Club.

Unfortunately, the location is a problem for the birds and the North Kitsap School District because flammable nesting materials are in contact with hot lights. It’s also a health and safety hazard because of the risk of falling sticks and excrement.

Kitsap Audubon wants to relocate the family to a safe nest platform in a safer location. The existing nest will be removed once the birds of leave for the winter. Excluders will be installed on the light poles to prevent the birds from rebuilding there when they return next April.

Puget Sound Energy has generously offered to donate the new pole and place it in the ground. They have also offered to provide a hi-lift truck to remove the old nest and place the three excluders once the birds leave.

Kitsap Audubon is prepared to help fund the relocation, but we welcome donations and partners willing to share the expense, estimated at $2,000 to $3,000. Tax-deductible donations for the Osprey Project may be made to Kitsap Audubon and mailed to P.O. Box 961, Poulsbo WA 98370. For information, you can contact me at 360-394-5635 or email me at genebullock@comcast.net.

Gene Bullock
Newsletter editor
Kitsap Audubon Society
Poulsbo