Here's the story...

In January of 2011, Florida Power & Light moved the Osprey nest located near the front entrance to the Ballantrae Community. All of the Ballantrae residents loved watching these Osprey, their nesting habits and the little nestlings being fed. We are very protective of these magnificant birds.
Why, you ask, would you move our Osprey nest?? Well... since the Osprey were nesting right on the high tension line pole, causing a few total community blackouts when it rained, FPL decided to do something about this situation.

One day, without announcement, a group of trucks showed up in front of the community and embarked on an Osprey Nest relocation. I started taking photos since I happened upon this activity right as it was beginning. I was promptly scolded by the "boss" of the group stating that I was not allowed to photograph them. Of course, I objected, stating my right as a concerned citizen and continued to photograph. After the crew boss talked to his supervisor who must have advised him of my right to do so, they continued. By this time, several more Ballantrae residents arrived and we were all taking photos etc. These guys were sure under our scrutiny.

They erected a large pole, nearby the power pole and nest, and placed an Osprey platform on it. Now.. the fun starts. With Osprey zooming around the crew and dive bombing them, and Ballantrae residents watching their every move, they donned protective gear and proceeded, ever so carefully and skillfully to set the nest up for moving. I asked the foreman if they had ever done this before and he said...no! But, here they were, on a giant crane, lifting this nest...carefully and slowly... and placing it onto the platform. They even took photos from the crane bucket as they were performing the task. This took hours!

In the meantime, the Osprey were circling overhead and making quite a racket. When the entire job was finished and the trucks and equipment finally left, many of us watched to see if the Osprey would come back to their nest. It took some time but..indeed they did! We are continuing to enjoy the nesting Osprey and their activities, but we also have power during a rainstorm!

Here are some of the photos I took of the progress. I also sent our story and photos to the local news and... Ballantrae Osprey's were on TV! What fun!