Here's the nesting platform prior to its being lifted in place. Note the sheetmetal collar on the pole to prevent raccoons from robbing the nest.  Also, notice the transmitter for the future Osprey-cam.  Sticks were tied into the wire mesh bottom of the platform to give the ospreys the right idea, but were blown-out of the erected platform by hurricane Wilma.

You can see how the underside of the platform is framed. The transmitter is designed to be solar-powered, but won't be installed until there are signs of a mating pair at the nest.

The pole was donated and delivered by FPL; Irby Construction donated their auger and lifting crane to the cause.  John McGraw and Boy Scout Troop 21 of Coconut Grove worked together to construct the osprey platform as John's Eagle Scout project. The platform is located in the NE corner of the MAST Academy campus on Virginia Key (Miami), Florida. All volunteers for a great cause!