Building nest on owl house,

[elleng]

not successful nesting place last year, due to slant and wind.

[Walleye]

1. I sure hope they figure it out

[elleng]

2. They know how to build it, but difficult

to keep it substantial and useful, imo.

[Donkees]

3. Can you get the wildlife service to add a board frame to the top? Or to offer advice?

There also are lightweight framing options too.

I have read that Owls have caused a decline of Ospreys in your region, because they find that Osprey nests are easy to raid. If that Owl box hasn't ever been used, the wildlife service might transform it to an Osprey Platform. (?)

[elleng]

4. Thanks for suggestion. The County Department of Natural Resources BUILT it,

and owls haven't used it; guess they don't care for my little peninsula!

Hadn't thought of having a platform constructed, but may mention it too neighbor/landlord, who after all pays the taxes!

It was geese who used the big nest last year, keeping ospreys away, but due to bamboo growth, I can't even SEE that nest.

Here's pic of bamboo growth, which does NOT interfere with USE of the nest which is on roof of small boat 'house' on the creek:

[Donkees]

5. From what I've read, it seems possible to renovate their nest platforms before the eggs are laid

BTW, Don't know if you've seen this book, but the author seems to be a raptor biologist and osprey expert, of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's Chesapeake Bay office. Someone there in your region should be able to help these birds.

[elleng]

6. Thanks. Yes, have seen the book.

Re: platform/egg laying, I'm sure anything's possible, but I rent my house (and the ospreys renovate every year!) so I try not to demand too much from landlord/neighbor, who is father of triplets (out of college now, but expensive) and runs his own business.

[Donkees]

7. Understood, but if these birds have nest failure two years in a row, it weakens their bond

All best wishes for them to reclaim their heritage nest on the boathouse roof.