After completing the delicate task of relocating the nest of a pair of eastern ospreys, Energex crews have recorded the birds enjoying their repositioned home.
Just like ospreys at Wellington Point and Capalaba on the bay's eastside, the birds have become a favourite at Toorbul on Moreton Bay with nature lovers watching them adding to the nest each breeding cycle.
- Read more: Wellington Point ospreys return
- Read more: Chicks spotted in Wellington Point's osprey nest
Energex senior environmental adviser Peter Bullen said the birds had built their home on an Energex communication tower at the Toorbul Point' substation but after it began to impede the tower's functionality and crews ability to maintain it, there was no choice but to move it.
"Osprey like to pick a breeding location that provides a good view out over their hunting grounds and for that reason they tend to choose the highest tree or structure to build their nest and made our tower their home," he said.
"In relocating an osprey nest, some of the big issues are providing an attractive alternative for the birds in terms of location and importantly the height of the new nest.
"Another key aspect ... was to install deterrents at the old nest site."
The new 21-metre-high nest platform has a re-purposed upturned antenna dish salvaged from an Energex communications project.
Energex communication adviser John Ryan, who is an osprey enthusiast, suggested the dish and after looking at various osprey platform designs from around the world.
"We realised his idea ticked all the boxes," Mr Bullen said.
The nest was moved to the new platform nearby in as good a shape as the birds made it.
The ospreys evidently approved the work, having moved into the relocated nest.
