A woman is looking for a bird whisperer to help manage an elaborate osprey nest that’s been growing atop her Long Island home.
Dhonna Goodale noticed that the birds began building their home about five years ago on the chimney of her East End house. She says that while they’re harmless to humans, their territorial nature has made it difficult for her to enjoy her property.
“They won’t hurt you,” Goodale said. “I’ve been standing here when they dropped fish on me, they threw sticks on me, and they pooped all over me.”
“They say that’s good luck — I’m the luckiest woman in the world right now,” she said.
Osprey nests aren’t uncommon around the South Hampton town. Another has been found at the intersection of routes 105 and 24. However, it’s quite atypical to see one on top of someone’s home.
“If there’s no nest, no birds in it, and it’s not actively being used, generally you’re allowed to remove the nest,” wildlife rehabilitator Staci Earl said.
But in Goodale’s case, Earl recommends just waiting until the birds migrate in the fall to remove the extensive nest.
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“You can’t remove an active nest, especially for the osprey. They are federally protected,” Earl said.
Goodale said she plans to build a pole across her yard, so the birds can play there instead of hanging out on top of her home.
“I’m trying to find a way we can all live harmoniously together, so I am looking for a bird whisperer,” she said.
“Then I have to find out what to do to seal the chimney so they won’t come back and build another nest,” she continued. “I’m going to lovingly evict them. They have to go.”
