Written by Janelle Wicks, FOMR Director
Photo above by Greg Weiter, FOMR Volunteer
Photos below by Gary Kegel, BLM Campground Host
For as long as he has been the Page Springs Campground Host for the Burns District BLM, Gary Kegel has been photographing the local wildlife and serene landscape. Seven seasons have now come and gone. His vantage point is enviable by most of us. His proximity to the wildlife we all cherish so deeply afford him perspective on their comings and goings that a typical visitor would not see. This is showcased in his observations of the osprey pair that nest at the south end of the Refuge.
The ospreys have built and rebuilt a nest on the same derelict power poll for as long as anyone can remember. The poll is located within a closed area of the Refuge which serves as a private residence for onsite staff. Most people may see the birds coming and going from the river but would likely not know much about the nest location if anything at all. The pole had once experienced an electrical fire. It is leaning substantially and the boards upon which the birds nest are tilted downwards.
In the summer of 2025, a high wind event knocked their nest and two nestlings to the ground. A tragic event.
This fall, the Friends took a keen interest in the plight of these birds and sought a realistic, long-term solution. It took some doing, and the support of a major donor, but plans are now underway for the construction of a new nesting platform that will be installed mid-December.
In true Harney County fashion this will only happen through the power of a coalition. Refuge staff will straighten the poll. The Burns High School woodshop class will construct the platform with plans provided by Idaho Power. Supplies for the platform were purchased from our local Parr Lumber. Harney County Electric will contract with the Friends to lend their bucket truck for installation of the platform. With any luck we will be able to coordinate bringing the woodshop students down to witness the installation.
Think we can’t possibly make a great thing better? Well, in addition to the platform we intend to install a solar powered, live streaming nest camera! Our goal is to get this camera live no later than February 2026 with the help of refuge staff!
Stay tuned!
