A couple of Osprey have made the top of a light at Athletic Park their home and now have at least one baby. Bob Schneider/CHAT News

By Jesse Gill

Osprey presence multiplies at Athletic Park

Aug 2, 2024 | 3:33 PM

A pair of Osprey have taken up residence at Medicine Hat’s Athletic Park.

They now have at least one baby up in their nest in the light near the dugout of the Mavericks baseball team.

Mecah Klem, a wildlife biologist, Alberta Environment and Protected Areas, has been observing the birds recently.

He said the close proximity to the river makes sense as they primarily feed on fish.

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“They’re a species that does adapt pretty well to human presence,” Klem said.

“You’ll see this young chick will likely be flying on its own here in the next week or two, and will hang around and start to feed with the adults,” he added.

“I did see one up there. I wouldn’t be surprised if there’s another one hidden in there. They typically have around two or three chicks each year.”

Klem adds that these osprey quite commonly use elevated man-made structures to build a nest.

Osprey are common throughout North America and will winter down in Mexico and Central America.

They are a secure species and not endangered.

Klem advises that it’s great to observe them and take pictures, but says to also give them the space they need to do their natural things.

Tory Nelson, Mavericks assistant coach, who’s been with the team for a few years now, said they started to notice a nest being built early last baseball season.

“When it first happened, we were so confused where all the sticks were coming from, when we’re down on the field, nobody looks straight up and looks at it,” Nelson said.

“It’s definitely grown throughout the past couple years, and now it’s kind of become our pet, we’re seeing it bring back fish or rodents or whatever, and we see it quite a bit, so it’s kind of entertaining.”

Nelson said his parents regularly watch Mavericks games, and told him that most people seem happy to see the birds, noticing fans keeping an eye on them during the game to see what they are bringing back to their nest.

The Mavericks have four regular season games left before playoffs and host the first place Regina Red Sox who they are two and a half games back of in the standings on Friday at Athletic Park.

A two game series with the Saskatoon Berries will be Saturday and Sunday in Medicine Hat, with the Mavs taking to the road on Monday for their last regular season game in Swift Current against the 57’s.

Western Canadian Baseball League playoffs are set to start next Wednesday.