Ospreys first nested in Nebraska in 2008 and there have been nesting attempts about every year since. However, I do not believe there is firm evidence any of the nesting attempts have been successful (young are not known to have fledged from any nest). This may finally be the year Nebraska Ospreys register one or two in the win column. I was recently on the road in western Nebraska and had a chance to check in on a nest near Lake McConaughy. This nest platform was erected by Midwest Electric Cooperative on land owned by the Nebraska Public Power District. The quick look provided views of an adult on the nest, but closer inspection revealed at least one nearly-fledged juvenile was also in the nest, as shown in the photo, below.
Word from the field indicates a second juvenile from this nest may have already fledged. More reports from the field also suggest a pair in Scotts Bluff County that has nested for several years may also be on the verge of success this year. This is all good news. Expect to see more Ospreys nesting in Nebraska in the future.
Good birding!
Thanks to Kathy DeLara, Ruthie Stearns, Justin King, Jim Jenniges, Earl Reilly and Todd Nordeen for providing information about Ospreys nesting in Nebraska in 2015. Thanks to Midwest Electric Cooperative for erecting the nesting platform.