Osprey Trail, Peel-Harvey Estuary Paddle Network (Top trail)

Commencing at the Estuary Bridge at Osprey Waters, the Osprey Trail follows the foreshore through Sticks Channel before returning around Boundary Island which provides a good spot for a rest. There are frequent sightings of Ospreys and Dolphins along the trail so keep your binoculars on hand.

The Osprey (Pandion haliaetus) is a large raptor. The wingspan of the adult can exceed 1.5m. Ospreys are magnificent birds, with white heads and chests, distinctive light-brown necklaces around their throat areas and dark-brown upper wings. They sit, monarch-like, and survey their realm. To see an Osprey take flight from its look-out perch, skim across the water and then suddenly dive, reappearing with a fish clasped in its talons, is a dramatic and truly memorable sight. Ospreys are monogamous and are thought to mate for life. They build large nests using sticks, seaweed and man-made materials like rope and wire. Nests are most often built in large, dead trees with a commanding view of territory. The nests may remain in use for many years, with new materials being added as the seasons come and go. Sometimes, possibly due to parasites or other contamination, the adult birds will partially dismantle a nest before rebuilding it. There is concern that Ospreys are in decline throughout Australia, due to habitat tree removal.

Paddling this trail is best done in the cooler months, when tides are at their highest, rather than during holiday periods or the warmer months when power boating is very popular. Paddlers should always be aware of and avoid power boats and remember to keep clear of the wash created by them.

Please do not paddle in Creery Wetlands, as this is an important sanctuary and habitat both for resident and migratory wetland birds. Observing these wetland birds without disturbing them is best carried out on land via the boardwalks and observation points provided for this purpose. The entrance to this land based facility is off Darwin Terrace, Mariners Cove.