Nest management can include trimming nest material, providing alternate nest platforms, or removing nests. Juveniles are especially susceptible as they begin to fledge the nest. Osprey can touch parts of the energized structure with their body (wings, feet, bill) including when they excrete waste. Nest material may ignite from contact with energized wires. Nests on utility structures with energized wires pose risk to osprey from: Nests on utility poles can pose a significant risk to the adult and juvenile osprey. Ospreys nest on many different types of man-made structures including buildings, cellular towers, boats, utility poles, and channel markers. In-flight, ospreys have arched wings and drooping “hands” giving them a distinctive, gull-like appearance. Females of all ages are larger than males and most populations tend to have a more pronounced “necklace” of dark feathers. Young birds have bright red eyes compared to the bright yellow eyes of the adults. Young-of-the-year birds are distinct from adults in having buff edges on dark feathers and typically have less bright breasts and bellies.
The facial pattern is light with a dark mask running through the eye. The plumage is dark on the back, dorsal surface of wings, and crown. The osprey is a large raptor ranging from 20-24 inches (50-60 centimeters) long with a wingspan of 5 to 5 ½ (1.5-1.7 meters) feet.