The SFLECC and Sycamore Audubon Society recently erected this osprey platform on Lake Freeman. Photo provided Workers from Shafer and Freeman Lakes Environmental Conservation Corporation (SFLECC), the West Lafayette based Sycamore Audubon Society and local volunteers recently constructed and placed the first osprey nesting platform on Lake Freeman.

The platform was erected on Swan Island, an island in the Tippecanoe River between Lakes Shafer and Freeman south of Monticello's Washington Street Bridge. Public view points are from the water.

The Swan Island platform is the third osprey nest platform to be placed by SFLECC and the National Audubon Society Chapter. Two were erected in 2008 on Lake Shafer. A fourth platform will be sited later this year.

White County REMC donated a surplus pole. Steve Jones of Monticello assembled the platform and SFLECC provided the labor and boat transportation while Sycamore Audubon Society financed rental of the auger. Daryl Johns, Jason Mullins, Tyler Faker, Tom Wagner and Rick Read erected the pole.

The Osprey (Pandion haliaetus) is a water bird that lives throughout the world. It depends on fish for its diet. It has a five to six foot wingspan and can weigh from 2.5 to 4.5 pounds. Osprey make their nests of sticks and other material.

Osprey typically can be seen in the Twin Lakes area from April through October, with nesting from May through July.

The SFLECC board of directors meets at 7 p.m. on the third Thursday of each month at the White County Memorial Hospital. Meetings are open to the public. The annual meeting will be held Aug. 8 at 10 a.m. at the Twin Lakes High School Auditorium.