At the tip of Jabiru Island where Coomera River meets Saltwater Creek, this curious structure leans over the water’s edge. It could be a fancy beacon, or a sculpture, but its principal purpose is an eyrie for ospreys.
Designed by artists Adrian Davis and Lubi Thomas, the eyrie is 10 metres tall and made of steel and burnished timber. A platform was incorporated near the top, like an open invitation for the big birds to come and build a messy nest where they can safely raise fledglings.
For some years after its installation in 2008, the eyrie stood elegantly, patiently, waiting, unoccupied. By 2013, ospreys and other birds began to use it as a surveillance perch, but mostly it remained vacant. In recent years, evidence of nesting has become visible from ground level and now, most days, it is probable to see at least one of the nesting osprey pair, and possibly squawking heads of young birds.
Apparently there was a webcam so that humans could spy on the birds but that doesn’t appear to be operating now. Perhaps the birds knew and that’s what inhibited their earlier occupation. Maybe they found a way to dismantle the camera. In any case, it’s their place now. We don’t need to intrude. It’s a delight just to know that they have chosen to dwell there.
The following pictures (not in chronological order) were taken 2013-2022
