Ospreys Nesting on New York’s Bear Mountain Bridge
For the osprey that call New York’s Hudson Valley home, the bridges offer a tempting nesting ground. Positioned high above the fish-filled Hudson River, the large birds have a nest on top of the Bear Mountain Bridge, a 2,255-foot suspension bridge roughly 50 miles north of Manhattan. However, this is not the osprey’s first time on this scenic spot.
“We noticed that two years ago at the Bear Mountain Bridge, [that] they started building nests on top of the tower,” Craig Gardner, manager of maintenance for the New York State Bridge Authority tells Popular Science. “It’s not really an ideal spot for us, so we would go up and try to encourage them to go someplace else. But then last year, before we could get the nest, they laid eggs. So then we stayed away from the nest.”
Ospreys are masters at swooping down into bodies of water to catch fish. Like other large birds of prey, they bring these fish back to their nests–whether they sit atop a tree or a large bridge. Osprey can be found in a variety of habitats, typically near any body of water with an adequate food supply. Thanks to ongoing conservation efforts in the Hudson River and its surrounding area, bald eagles, peregrine falcons, ospreys–and the fish that they need to survive–have seen a major recovery. The osprey are also the second most widely distributed raptor species, after the peregrine falcon, which can also nest on the bridges.
“The osprey actually build a nest. They will carry sticks up and create a nest,” says Gardner. “The peregrine falcons pretty much lay their eggs right on the stone. [For the peregrine falcons], we make a box and we fill it with stone so that they can lay their eggs in there. They’re opportunistic.”
According to Gardner, last year’s osprey clutch successfully hatched and the chicks stayed up in the nest for most of the year. While the nesting birds are a good indicator that the ecological recovery of the Hudson, the nests can pose some risks to the approximately 20,000 vehicles per day who cross the Bear Mountain Bridge. The nest itself was about 250 feet above the roadway, so if a stick, branch, or even a fish falls out of it, cars and people below are at risk. The New York State Bridge Authority, which operates and maintains five bridges along the Mid-Hudson River Valley, typically tries to encourage birds to nest on the lower spans, closer to the river and away from cars. But in true New Yorker fashion, these birds appear to be seeking out the penthouse with spectacular views.
The solution: some human-built steel nesting boxes made especially for the ospreys. Instead of dismantling the nests, workers installed modular steel boxes so that the birds have a safer place to nest that contains any potential debris that might fall out.
“We designed it so it would all be modular, so that we could take it up there,” says Gardner. “We actually have a motorized platform that one guy stands on, and it winches himself up to the top of the tower. It’s pretty similar to the basket on your desk. The birds use big sticks, so you could have the rod spaced fairly wide open, and then with the mesh inside.”
When all weighed together, the engineers took about 500 pounds of steel 350 feet in the air to install the nest boxes.
“We took it up in components and assembled it on the top of the tower,” says Gardner. “They [the birds] were back there as soon as we left, rearranging the sticks and establishing their nest.”
There is no word yet on how many eggs–if any–are currently up in the nest. The Bridge Authority has announced that it will continue to provide regular updates to the public regarding the status of various projects and initiatives. This news comes as a relief to many who rely on the Authority for information about bridge maintenance, construction, and safety.
In a recent statement, the Bridge Authority emphasized the importance of transparency and communication with the community. By sharing updates on a regular basis, they hope to keep the public informed and engaged in the ongoing work of the Authority. This commitment to transparency is essential for building trust and maintaining a strong relationship with the community.
One of the key projects that the Bridge Authority is currently working on is the maintenance and repair of several bridges in the area. These projects are crucial for ensuring the safety and functionality of the bridges for years to come. By keeping the public informed about the progress of these projects, the Authority is demonstrating its dedication to prioritizing safety and infrastructure maintenance.
In addition to bridge maintenance, the Authority is also focused on exploring new technologies and innovations in bridge construction. By staying up-to-date on the latest advancements in the field, they can ensure that their bridges are built to the highest standards of safety and efficiency. This commitment to innovation sets the Authority apart as a leader in the industry.
Overall, the Bridge Authority’s decision to continue sharing updates with the public is a positive step towards building trust and transparency. By keeping the community informed about their projects and initiatives, they are demonstrating a commitment to safety, efficiency, and innovation in bridge construction. Stay tuned for more updates from the Bridge Authority as they work to improve and maintain the bridges in the area. The world of technology is constantly evolving, with new innovations being introduced at a rapid pace. From smartphones to smart home devices, technology has become an integral part of our daily lives. One of the latest trends in technology is the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning.
AI and machine learning are revolutionizing the way we interact with technology. These technologies are being integrated into a wide range of products and services, from virtual assistants like Siri and Alexa to self-driving cars and personalized recommendations on streaming services.
One of the key benefits of AI and machine learning is their ability to analyze and interpret large amounts of data quickly and accurately. This allows companies to make more informed decisions and provide better services to their customers. For example, AI-powered algorithms can analyze customer behavior and preferences to recommend products or services that are likely to be of interest to them.
In the healthcare industry, AI and machine learning are being used to improve diagnosis and treatment outcomes. By analyzing medical images and patient data, these technologies can help doctors make more accurate diagnoses and create personalized treatment plans for their patients.
AI and machine learning are also being used to enhance cybersecurity measures. These technologies can detect and respond to cyber threats in real-time, helping to protect sensitive data and prevent security breaches.
As AI and machine learning continue to advance, the possibilities for their applications are endless. From improving customer service to revolutionizing healthcare and cybersecurity, these technologies are reshaping the way we live and work.
However, with great power comes great responsibility. It is important for companies and governments to consider the ethical implications of AI and machine learning, including issues related to privacy, bias, and accountability.
Overall, the rise of AI and machine learning represents an exciting opportunity for innovation and progress. By harnessing the power of these technologies, we can improve efficiency, enhance decision-making, and create a better future for all.
