POULSBO — A new osprey nest platform will be installed on Nov. 18 at Strawberry Field, 2285 NE Hostmark St.

Construction will start around 9:30 a.m., with the pole and platform being raised between 1-2 p.m., Puget Sound Energy spokesman Ray Lane reported. It will replace a nest located on an 80-foot tall light pole which presents a fire hazard.

Observers are welcome, but the Strawberry Field parking area will be closed, Lane reported. Parking is available on the street or next door by Poulsbo Middle School.  Observers are asked to watch from the parking area and keep out of the work area until instructed otherwise, Lane reported.

This effort is part of a community-wide effort led by Kitsap Audubon. Supporters include the North Kitsap School District, the City of Poulsbo, Puget Sound Energy, Rotary Club of Poulsbo/North Kitsap, Kitsap Audubon members, and anonymous donors.

PSE has subcontracted with NW Utility Services to set the pole. Using some of the nest sticks, a new nest will be rebuilt on a 55-foot wood pole erected nearby with a nesting platform on top of it. Osprey Solutions, LLC will provide and attach the alternate platform to the pole, and custom-built nest excluder devices on the light poles located on the east side of the soccer field to prevent re-nesting attempts on the lamps.

“The ospreys have migrated to Mexico. When they return in April, they’ll find new digs that will be safer,” Lane reported. “There will be plenty of experts on site to help explain why relocation efforts like this one are so important.”