Building a Nest-egg for Our Feathered FriendsIn January 2010, a pair of lovebirds (two Osprey) chose to make their home in Indian Rocks Beach (IRB), a registered Seabird Sanctuary. Their initial choice was a nest built on the "green signal" light on the Walsingham Bridge. According to the FDOT, it was a brave, but illegal act, and therefore the FDOT quickly tore down their home. IRB Commissioners, the Mayor, City Staff, The Beach Bee, Audubon Society, and concerned citizens were quickly rallied and, due to their untiring efforts, an alternative home was built for the osprey. Their new home, now very visible as one drives over the bridge, is comprised of a nest sitting high above the bridge on its own large pole. The parents were unofficially named "Wollie" and "Sharmie." Soon twins were born to the loving osprey and named "Rocky" and "Bullwinkle." The Plein Aire Cottage Artists (Mary Rose Holmes, Violetta Chandler, and Helen Tilston) quickly set up their easels and painted a Triptych of the Bridge and the Osprey Nest. The title of the painting is: "Gateway to Paradise." The Award winning artists each painted one panel. The City of IRB has been granted permission to reproduce a limited number of giclees and prints of this spectacular painting. They will be sold by Action 2000 at Oktoberfest 2010 on October 16 (proceeds benefiting the osprey, future nests and maintenance, as well as IRB Rotary and Action 2000.) Pre-order pricing ranges from $170 to $256, including tax. Enjoy a $20.00 discount for those purchased before October 15th. For more information, email action2000irb@gmail.
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