Viewpoint by Bar Wharton Jamestown Press, April 1, 2005

I would like to address a few concerns that still seem to be around with respect to the Conanicut Island Raptor Project aka the Osprey camera and observation platform.

There would not be an Osprey nest at Marsh Meadows if it were not for the effort of a few folks in Jamestown like Chris Powell. Chris and a few other folks put the nest platform back up after the original pole was struck by lightning in the late 70's. So it is only through that effort that there is a successful nest at Marsh Meadows. Jamestown has six Osprey poles at present. The most productive is at Marsh Meadows. Three of the six were put by Chris Powell.

Public awareness of the plight of the Osprey and other endangered species contributes to their survival. Public awareness is still an issue as human encroachment is still removing habitat.

The Osprey observation platform portion of the project is an important part of people management. The Police Chief has acknowledged that a traffic problem exists at the location. People frequently walk into the marsh to get a closer look at the nest. The platform, binoculars and off street parking are designed to address these problems to the benefit of birds and to improve safety and enjoyment of interested onlookers.

Placement of the video camera is such that it will not intrude on the Osprey's access to the nest. The bracket is beyond the wingspan of the bird. The perch has been moved to the North side of the nest. The solar panel (which is ugly and I would like to have on the ground) is up there because we are concerned about vandalism.

The satellite tracking device is a very small backpack that the bird carries. It is being donated to Jamestown by my half-brother who has being researching Ospreys since he graduated and got his doctorate in ornithology. He has been the prime influence in the return of the Osprey to Martha's Vineyard. Check out his web site http://www.bioweb.uncc.edu/bierregaard/ . As you can see from the website transmitters have been placed on a number of birds. There are scientific reasons for this. Adult birds have carried tracking devices for a few years now. There habits and destinations have been studied. Last year transmitters were placed on juvenile birds. Ours will be one of those. The transmitter is a $4000.00 piece of equipment. One does not throw around that kind of cash so that humans can goof on the Osprey's.

So far there are no public moneys being used to fund this project, only donations of people and organizations all of whom are very concerned with the welfare of the birds.

The camera, the tracking device, and the platform will all benefit the Osprey and those of us who care enough to take an active interest in their welfare. The Conanicut Island Raptor Project is well thought out.

If you are interested in the birds, contribute to the project in a positive fashion. The camera and the satellite tracking device will benefit of contributing to our scientific knowledge of the bird while increasing public awareness and adding to our school curriculum.

So please do not get confused about the intentions of the project nor discount our concern for the birds. The Osprey are only there as a result of our efforts. Enjoy them and learn as a result of our gift. The Project web site will be www.conanicutraptors.org . We could also use donations to support the program. The Jamestown Education Foundation is the lead for the project and will gladly accept donations earmarked for the project. This project is a partnership between The Jamestown Education Foundation, The Audubon Society of Rhode Island, Town of Jamestown, The Conanicut Island Land Trust, and the Bridge and Turnpike Authority, with support from anonymous donors and trusts.