The disappearing osprey nest

An osprey nest on New Pass Bridge seems to have become a vanishing act. One day, it’s on a light pole, the next, it’s gone, and the next day, it’s back yet again.

“We have a permit to remove nesting material from that location as long as there’s not eggs in there,” said Robin Stublen, spokesman for the Florida Department of Transportation. “It’s a safety issue first and foremost.”

Because of the overhang, the nest could potentially fall on motorists or pedestrians.

“It’s potentially dangerous for drivers, but it’s also not safe for birds or their babies,” Save Our Seabirds CEO David Pilston said. “But they’re very persistent birds and keep on trying to build the nest there. This is the third year in a row they’ve done this.”

Stublen said FDOT is looking into building a deterrent that can be constructed above the post.