By Jarrad Delaney
April 11, 2013, 10:09 a.m.
A LOCAL former oyster grower who has helped with the
breeding season of native ospreys for over 20 years has provided permanent
assistance to the birds.
Royce Hart originally constructed breeding platforms for
two ospreys, which he has named ‘Oscar’ and ‘Ophelia’, after they returned
every breeding season to his oyster lease at Denial Bay
The birds would arrive in time for, or on Mother’s Day
each year for breeding.
Mr Hart built the first platform in 1990, and has worked
to replace them as weather and water caused them to deteriorate.
He said he wanted to leave the birds with something he
wouldn’t have to continue worrying about.
“The platforms deteriorate out in the water, and they come
back to the same spot each year like clockwork,” he said.
“I’ve been getting old and I wanted something permanent
for them, and I was able to find it.”
Together with a team of volunteers, Mr Hart was able to
put together and erect a new platform made of fibreglass, which is expected to
last between 75 to 100 years.
Andre Seidl helped Mr Hart put the platform together
before it was taken out into the water and put into the ocean floor with help
from a water pump.
Mr Hart said he is satisfied with the final result.
“I’m extremely satisfied with how it turned out, it will
provide an ideal nest for the ospreys,” he said.
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