Osprey Nesting Near West Lake - A Special Sight in Sunset Beach

Location: Shoreline Drive near West Lake
Photo Credit: Bobby Williamson

 

🦅 Welcome to Sunset Beach’s Wild Side!

We’re proud to share that a pair of ospreys have chosen a peaceful perch near West Lake on Shoreline Drive as their nesting site. These awe-inspiring raptors are a vital part of our coastal ecosystem — and a spectacular sight for bird lovers and nature observers alike!

Local photographer Bobby Williamson recently captured stunning images of the nest, providing a rare up-close look (from a respectful distance!) at these majestic birds in action. Thank you, Bobby, for sharing your work and helping us spread awareness about their presence.

🧠 What to Know About Ospreys:

Ospreys are large fish-eating raptors known for their striking white heads, curved talons, and sharp eyesight. They typically nest near bodies of water and rely on a clean, undisturbed habitat to raise their young.

Sunset Beach is fortunate to provide such a haven — but with that comes a responsibility to protect it.

🚫 How You Can Help: Respecting the Nest

To ensure this osprey family thrives, we ask residents and visitors to follow these simple but important wildlife etiquette guidelines:

• Observe from a distance
  Use binoculars or a camera zoom lens to admire the birds without interfering. Nesting ospreys are especially sensitive to human presence.

• Do not approach the nest
  Getting too close can cause distress or even lead the birds to abandon their young.

• Never feed wildlife
  Ospreys are skilled hunters. Feeding them disrupts natural behavior and can harm their health.

• Leave no trace
  Clean up trash, fishing line, and any plastic debris — these can be deadly to birds and other animals.

• Understand their behavior
  Signs of distress include alarm calls, defensive flying, or visible agitation. If you notice these, you may be too close.

• Keep pets under control
  Dogs can unintentionally disturb nesting birds. Leash your pets and avoid the nest area entirely.

• Avoid setting up camp nearby
  Nesting birds need peace and quiet. Give them space by choosing camp or picnic areas far from known nests.
  
  

🌍 Why It Matters:

Ospreys play a key role in maintaining balance in the ecosystem by managing fish populations. Their presence is a sign of a healthy environment — something we all benefit from and should be proud to protect.

💚 Let’s Keep Sunset Beach Wild and Wonderful

We invite you to enjoy the natural beauty of our community and appreciate the ospreys as respectful guests. By following these guidelines, you're helping to preserve the wonders of our environment for generations to come.

Thank you for caring for our wildlife and coastline.