Eastern Osprey nest relocated at Central Coast Stadium

A permanent platform has been built at Central Coast Stadium for an Eastern Osprey nest, ensuring the winged residents are safe and have the best views in the house.

Central Coast Council built a platform for Eastern osprey birds nesting at Central Coast Stadium. Picture: Central Coast Council

• Woman critical after Geoffrey Rd, Chittaway Point crash
• Queen’s Birthday honours list 2019: Donald van Keimpema

Sports fans shell out big bucks to secure the best seats at Central Coast Stadium, however none will rival the home of the stadium’s winged residents.

Central Coast Council has given the full VIP treatment to the Eastern Ospreys, upgrading their nest in time for this year’s breeding season.

The nest, which originally sat on top of a lighting tower for the stadium, has been relocated to a purpose built nest platform a few metres away.

The birds have the best view on the Central Coast. Picture: Central Coast Council

Central Coast Stadium Manager Kath Casey said the nest relocation was necessary for the comfort and safety of both the birds and stadium goers.

“Unfortunately, since the birds first moved in and started nesting on the light tower in 2014, they have been creating many challenges, as well as some real safety issues,” she said.

“With the nest sitting so close to the lights, maintenance of the tower was becoming difficult and we’ve also had to close the seats in the bay below as sticks and debris continually fall from the nest.”

The birds appear to be enjoying their new home. Picture: Sue Graham

Mayor Jane Smith said council had worked closely with the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage since 2015 to find the best option to manage the threatened species.

“Originally it was decided to leave the nest where it was, but the increasing scale and safety issues meant a long-term solution was needed,” she said.

A nest basket, designed by a structural engineer experienced in Osprey platforms, was built council and installed on the side of the tower.

An Eastern Osprey. Picture: Steve Merrett

With water views still in sight, the Osprey’s new home was chosen to prevent debris falling into the seating bay below.

Cr Smith said research showed that the closer the new nest was to the original site, the better chance of a successful relocation.

“Council is pleased that we can provide habitat for this threatened species who can enjoy watching sporting matches, concerts and other events along with the community,” she said.

IN OTHER NEWS