The osprey spent about 15 minutes inspecting its new perch, which was erected in October 2007, after their usual perches, with views from trees and house aerials, were removed.

It was a joint effort involving the Gracetown Progress Association, Western Power, Shire, Geocatch/Cape to Cape Catchment Group, Department of Environment and Conservation, Grandview Construction, Minchins, Hemp Co, Eagles Wildlife Heritage and the Australasian Raptor Association.

Since the first record in May the ospreys have been observed using the perch quite regularly.

This is the time of the year when ospreys are most active around South Point and the bay, being their courting and breeding time.

Up to four ospreys at a time have been seen on the air currents above Gracetown this season.

Ospreys in Australia do not migrate, are monogamous and usually mate for life.

They are found along the coast and major waterways of Australia, except for the south east due to more intensive coastal settlement.

They use the same nest site each year and add to the nest structure each year.

The nest is built on an inaccessible site, usually high in a tree, on cliffs or rock islets close to their foraging areas.

The breeding period is between May and September.

Usually two to three, rarely four eggs are laid, but often at least one fails to hatch.

The eggs are incubated for up to eight weeks, with another weeks before the young leave their nest.

Ospreys are renowned for their use of perches with commanding views, their spectacular method of diving to catch their fish feet first, and aerial acrobatics during the courting period.

Family parties are seen in late spring enjoying the air currents.

Threats to Ospreys are the disturbance of nest sites, entanglement from fishing lines, toxic pesticides in rivers and seas, and lack of suitable nesting sites.

Power companies throughout Australia help communities to erect poles for Osprey nests and Osprey perches.