Safeguarding Ospreys of the Tweed Valley
The Tweed Osprey Group is focused on monitoring and protecting Ospreys in the Tweed Valley. The Group has been monitoring the nesting success of these birds since the 1990s. This is vital work as these amazing fish-eating raptors are listed as vulnerable in NSW under the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016 .
Riparian land within Tweed’s estuaries provides important breeding habitat for our vulnerable osprey population. However, the historical removal of established native riparian vegetation has diminished suitable nesting sites along with habitat connectivity through the landscape. In light of this, the majority of the Tweed Valley’s osprey breeding pairs now rely on artificial nesting structures during the March to November breeding season. The Tweed Shire Council, NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, and Essential Energy have put a lot of valuable work into establishing and maintaining these structures.
Ospreys in NSW appear to be slowly recovering from previous population lows. Providing reliable artificial nesting structures has greatly assisted this revival, but other factors still have further potential to impact negatively on our Osprey population in the Tweed. These include habitat disturbance, threats to fish supplies, water pollution, fishing tackle, electrocution and motorised vehicles.
The Tweed Osprey Group
- Liasies with the Tweed Shire Council, Birdlife Australia Northern Rivers, NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service and other relevant government agencies in matters concerning Ospreys in the Tweed Valley.
- Conducts citizen science monitoring Osprey nests and chicks that successfully fledge during the nesting season and provides the data to interested agencies.
- Alerts the relevant agencies when there are issues with nest structures, birds in distress (e.g. fishing line entanglements).
- Provides information about Ospreys to the general public as the opportunities arise.
- Collaborate with similarly minded groups.
Supporters of Ospreys in the Tweed Valley
BirdLife Northern Rivers
This local branch of Birdlife Australia lobbies and does all manner of work in collecting data about bird numbers and promoting bird conservation. They provide advice and support for the Tweed Osprey Group.
Tweed Shire Council
The Tweed Shire Council has been actively involved in Osprey conservation for years. They have been important in educating the community about Ospreys, the erection of artificial cradles on poles for nesting, and undertake ongoing maintenance to ensure their integrity. This in turn has been critical for the recovery of Ospreys numbers here in the Tweed Valley.
NSW National Park and Wildlife Service
The NSW National Park and Wildlife Service has been an active supporter of Osprey conservation. They have provided technical advice on a range of matters.
Essential Energy
When dealing with installing or fixing damaged artificial nesting cradles, which involves height, Essential Energy have helped out with their equipment on many occasions.
Currumbin Wildlife Hospital
On occasion we have had an injured or very sick bird needing specialist care. Currumbin Wildlife Hospital are simply excellent at what they do.