**Ospreys Take Over Minnesota High School Football Field**
**Meta Description:** Ospreys nesting at a Minnesota high school stadium force schedule changes for the Eagles football team, highlighting wildlife protection efforts.
**URL Slug:** ospreys-nest-minnesota-high-school-football
**Ospreys Take Over Minnesota High School Football Field**
In an unexpected turn of events, a pair of ospreys have claimed a high school football stadium in Minnesota as their nesting ground, prompting the Apple Valley High School Eagles football team to adjust their game schedule. The ospreys, a federally and state-protected species, have built their nest atop a light pole, leading to significant changes for the school’s athletic program.
Cory Hanson, the athletic director at Apple Valley High School, shared the unusual situation with The Associated Press, stating, “When you tell someone this story of ‘Wow, we have to reschedule because there’s an osprey nest in our stadium,’ they’re like, ‘You can’t make this type of stuff up, right?’”
Due to the nesting location, the Eagles are now required to hold all home games during daylight hours. Activating the stadium’s floodlights could pose a risk to the birds. Heidi Cyr from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources indicated that the nest could be removed once the chicks are capable of flight, which is expected to happen soon. “Luckily for Apple Valley, they should be able to remove the nest within probably a week because the birds have already taken some of their first flights,” Cyr explained.
The school first became aware of the nest in June and has been monitoring the chicks’ development with a drone. Plans are in place to relocate the nest to another platform on school grounds and to install deterrents on the stadium lights after the chicks leave, with hopes that the ospreys will return next year.
Cyr reassured the community, saying, “So if anyone sees that happening, don’t worry. The birds are safe. They’ve successfully left the nest, and they’re on their way to becoming adults themselves.” Ospreys, known for their impressive wingspan of up to six feet, prefer to build nests in elevated locations that offer clear views.
Hanson noted the community’s curiosity, stating, “When you see these large birds flying across your field with these humongous sticks, you start to ask questions like, ‘What is going on here?’” He also mentioned that other schools have been supportive in finding alternative locations and times for games.
While the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources occasionally issues permits for nest removal in critical infrastructure cases, such requests are typically denied if chicks are present. Ospreys were removed from Minnesota’s species of special concern list in 2015, thanks to successful conservation efforts aimed at rebuilding their population.
**FAQ**
**What should schools do if ospreys nest on their property?**
Schools should contact local wildlife authorities to understand their options and ensure the safety of the birds while making necessary adjustments to their schedules.
