Central Coast Stadium’s resident family of endangered Eastern Ospreys has grown by two with the recent successful hatching of two chicks, delighting Council, stadium staff, and bird lovers alike.

It might seem like an odd place to raise a family, but the endangered sea bird has been a common sight in the stadium’s lighting tower ever since they began to occupy the area in 2014.

After raising safety concerns including the issue of debris from the nest being dropped on the seats below which forced the closure of the ticketed bay, it was determined that a long-term solution was needed that was in the best interest of the birds.

“In June of this year Council installed a reinforced platform for the birds to move into which was just metres away from their original home,” said Central Coast Stadium Manager Kath Kasey.

“There was some initial concern that they might not take to their new nest but in the last couple of weeks stadium staff and patrons have been able to hear the cries of the hatched chicks as they pester mum and dad for their favourite food – fish!”

Mayor Lisa Matthews said it was pleasing that the decision to invest in creating a new nest has paid off.

“As residents of the Central Coast we are extremely fortunate that so many diverse creatures call our region home,” Mayor Matthews said.

“Eastern Ospreys are listed as a vulnerable species in NSW, meaning they face the risk of extinction in the medium-term future. As a Council it’s great that we have been able to balance the nesting needs of the birds with the needs of our stadium patrons.

“We’re looking forward to seeing these chicks leave the nest and hope it’s just the start of many successful breeding seasons to come.”

We can all play our part in looking after our Ospreys by keeping the Central Coast’s waterways healthy. Residents can do this by disposing of rubbish and fishing tackle responsibly, composting grass clippings and washing vehicles on the grass.

For more information, visit lovelourlivinglakes.com.au or download Council’s Multi-Touch Books for iPad’s by searching Central Coast Council in iTunes.

To report an injured bird, please contact Australian Seabird Rescue Central Coast on 0438 862 676 or Wildlife ARC on 4325 0666.