Thursday, January 23, 2014

My Birdday Present, Ospreys On The New Nest Pole!

The first recorded use of the new Cedar Key School osprey post!!!

If you read this blog, you may remember that back in August, the old light pole that had supported an osprey nest every year for decades was removed.

The reason for the removal was valid, large parts of the old light system were threatening to fall down.

The old rickety pole was taken down.
A new pole with perch boards and a possible nesting platform was installed by Central Florida Electric Cooperative.

When the school year began, I told my students that I had a $5 bill for the first photo of an osprey using the new pole.
Six months went by with nothing.

Then, today (my birthday), my student Nathaniel came dashing breathlessly into my room with cell phone photos of an osprey perching on the new pole.

Sweet!

What a great present.

(And yes, Nathaniel wins the 5 dollar bill ... tomorrow ... I don't carry large denominations in my wallet)

18 comments:

threecollie said...

Excellent! Hope you have a birthday that continues to be wonderful.

Anonymous said...

One of the very best birthday presents ever!

Dani said...

Coolness! Enjoy your special day. :)

sunny said...

Happy Birthday!

Julie Zickefoose said...

Not sure which is more wonderful: that an osprey lit on the pole, or that Nathan noticed. And will notice for the rest of his life, thanks to you.

This makes me smile as I think of my Dad, who used to put a folded dollar bill in the metal buckle of the seat belts in the cars we drove as teenagers. The idea being that any young driver who reached to put on the seat belt got an instant reward. This worked until my teen-aged brother started sneaking in and stealing the dollars for date money.

On the osprey: My hat's off. And happy birthday, FC. We all treasure you.

Julie Zickefoose said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
kevin said...

Happy Birthday young man.

Anonymous said...

Very cool that you are getting them started early, the students that is. Can't wait to see some baby pictures in the future.That should be worth $10.

miz s said...

FC! Happy birthday, man.

Wally Jones said...

That's great news! I know you had mixed feelings about replacing the old nesting platform. Ospreys are pretty adaptable - thank goodness!
Congratulations to an observant Nathan!

(What's a birthday?)

Anonymous said...

Hiya FC,

Happy Belated Birthday! Cool present.

Patio

Kort said...

NICE!
Kudos to Nathaniel!

Kort said...

Oh, and HAPPY BIRTHDAY Aquarian!
Mine is tomorrow.

swamp4me said...

An excellent present for sure! Hope the rest of your day was equally special.

Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday!! Thrilled to see the osprey are back. Keeping my fingers crossed that they nest on the new platform. Lori Marietta Ohio

David said...

Such a great present! Happy Birthday!

David The Good said...

That is awesome.

Anonymous said...

Sending belated happy birthday wishes. Glad you got the best gift ever. It is awesome news.
Momadness