High school football team compelled to alter schedule due to federally shielded avian species restrictions
In a unique turn of events, a family of federally protected ospreys has chosen to raise their chicks in a nest on top of a light pole at Apple Valley High School's football stadium in Minnesota. This unexpected development has forced the school's football team, the Eagles, to rearrange their schedule due to the osprey nest.
Ospreys, large birds of prey with a wingspan of up to six feet, are known for building nests in high places with clear views. The Eagles must now play all of their home games during the day because turning on the floodlights could potentially harm the birds.
Heidi Cyr, of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, stated that the school can remove the nest once the osprey chicks are able to fly away. However, the department sometimes issues nest removal permits when ospreys make nests on critical infrastructure, but they are usually denied if chicks remain. School officials plan to relocate the osprey nest to another platform on school grounds and build deterrents on the stadium lights once the chicks leave.
Other schools have shown support and understanding in this situation. For instance, Wayzata High School in Minnesota, which already has a nesting platform for owls and has had to reschedule its sports events, has been helpful in finding alternate locations and times for games.
Meanwhile, in the Big Bear Valley region of California, bald eagles Jackie and Shadow recently welcomed a third egg to their nest. This news comes as a rare sighting of an osprey, likely lost, was reported 1,000 miles away in Wisconsin.
The Associated Press contributed to this report. The school and the community are adapting to this new situation, ensuring the safety and well-being of both the ospreys and the students. Cory Hanson, athletic director at Apple Valley High School, commented about rescheduling games due to the osprey nest, saying, "We understand the importance of preserving our local wildlife and are willing to make adjustments to accommodate the ospreys."
Ospreys were removed from the Minnesota species of special concern list in 2015, reflecting their recovery and increased population. Despite the disruption to the school's schedule, this unique situation provides an opportunity for education and awareness about these fascinating birds of prey.
