The city of Ukiah has long known about an osprey nest situated on top of a light pole at its softball fields east of Highway 101 on River Drive.

"For the most part, we stand back and let them do their thing up there," said city Community Services Assistant Taylor Janowicz, who oversaw activities at the softball fields in May.

The nest has been perched atop the light pole there for about five years, and three or four chicks joined the male and female adults sometime in May, according to Janowicz.

"I haven't heard any complaints; it's a lot of oohs' and aahs.' A couple of people have hit softballs up there ... and of course people booed them," Janowicz said with a laugh.

The birds can be seen circling the field from time to time, and for the most part are seen as part of the landscape.

"They're like a part of the field now," Janowicz said. "It wouldn't be the same if they weren't there."'

Ospreys nest in high places such as tree forks, rock outcroppings or utility poles near water, where they can easily access their main food source: fish. They reach maturity and begin to breed at 3 to 4 years of age, and typically live to be 7 to 10 years old.
