We arrived at the Mass Audubon Wildlife Sanctuary on Sunday to meet with the trip leader and other members of the group. On the following morning we set off on our first task - erecting symbolic fencing to protect the local plovers. The plovers lay their eggs on the beach and it can be difficult for visitors to notice the eggs. The fencing marks off areas where the plovers may nest, warning people to stay away from these areas.
Some of the group setting off from the centre to begin installing the symbolic fencing.
Having collected our supplies of warning signs, poles and twine we set off down the beach. Any suggestions that Gary and I were poles apart are totally untrue.
Getting our instructions from Mass Audubon staff and laying out symbolic fencing. Craig and Paul asked if we were shore we weren't too close to the sea.
After lunch we set off on our next task - putting up an osprey platform to allow ospreys returning from winter in South America to nest. Ospreys like a high platform for a secure nest. The previous platform had been there for around 30 years.
Beginning the assembly of the osprey platform. We got it from the local IKEA store. We had a bit of a problem with the instructions until Craig told us "Yah, I am from Sveden, I can speak Svedish"
As we were assembling the platform an osprey flew overhead carrying its catch of fish. It may have been inspecting our handiwork.
Craig, Gary, Paul: Nailed it!
Craig on the receiving end of a consoling pat on the head from Lisa as she explained that we were ready to take the platform to the nest level.
Now comes the most critical part of the operation, lifting the platform into the prepared hole. Craig is helping with 'left a bit, right a bit'
OK guys, we can't let go; we'll just have to stay here until the breeding season is over.
Now that the platform is in place the supporting timbers are added.
Will someone tell Paul that this is not a drill, it's the real thing.
Nancy hits the nail on the head.
Dick watches Danny hammer Craig into the sand after a particularly bad pun.
Finally our work is over and we can hand the platform over to the ospreys. Craig was worried that our platform may be suffering from empty nest syndrome.
Mellissa from the centre explaining environmental aspects of one of the many ponds at Mass Audubon before taking us on a sunset walk along the beach.
Danny with his 'I am so interested in what you are saying' when he is actually thinking 'what time is dinner?'
Our completed osprey platform from the other side of the bay. Wait, where's the guys we left holding it up?
Mellissa showing the group a crab and a dead seabird.
No comments:
Post a Comment