Snappy's Osprey platform install - Photo Courtesy of Snappy's Sport Center
Snappy’s Osprey platform install – Photo Courtesy of Snappy’s Sport Center

by Doug MacCarter

In 2014 Mr. Lupton (store owner) and I discussed the possibility of erecting an Osprey platform behind Snappy’s fish pond. In 2015 a web cam atop a 60 foot platform was constructed. However, It wasn’t until April of 2016 that Snappy’s became a proud home for its first breeding pair of Ospreys. The breeding pair produced a clutch of three eggs, however only two eggs hatched.

A contest was held to name the parents and the young ospreys. The winning names for the parents and the young were Duke & Duchess and Lewis & Clark respectively.

Snappy's Ospreys building nest - Photo Courtesy of Snappy's Sport Center
Snappy’s Ospreys building nest – Photo Courtesy of Snappy’s Sport Center

Mr. Lupton statement – “Its been specific to view and follow these magnificent birds – their nest building & mating, their patient process of feeding & waiting for eggs, then the laying of the 3 eggs, the hatching of 2 chicks and finally raising their offspring to fledge successfully”. The first chick hatched June 7 and chick number 2 hatched June 11. Both chicks fledged within the first week of August.

A camera system was placed on line for every body to see. (Click here for Snappy’s Sport Senter Osprey cam) As a result, every state in the USA viewed the Osprey Web Cam. In addition 60 countries also participated.

To the viewers, I hope you have enjoyed this great adventure of the life of an Osprey. Osprey have a strong fidelity to return to their nesting site so lets pray for a safe return back to Snappy’s Sport Senter.

Snappy's Osprey with eggs - Photo Courtesy of Snappy's Sport Center
Snappy’s Osprey with eggs – Photo Courtesy of Snappy’s Sport Center

 

Snappy's Osprey with chick - Photo Courtesy of Snappy's Sport Center
Snappy’s Osprey with chick – Photo Courtesy of Snappy’s Sport Center