–SHANNON HAINES
Playland’s Gondola Wheel did not rotate at Playland’s May 18 opening day thanks to some surprising park visitors. The 90-foot ride is closed until further notice for the safety of the osprey nesting atop one of the carriages.
Ospreys, colloquially known as “sea hawks,” are large birds of prey often found on Long Island. The avian inhabitants likely traveled across the Sound to build their new home.
Local birdwatcher Ken Goodwin, who often sees ospreys near Playland, told CBS 2 News that ospreys “always choose high places near water.” Usually, local osprey nests can be found at the nearby Edith G. Read Wildlife Sanctuary, but this pair apparently wanted in on Playland’s fun and built their extensive nest right atop a gondola.
Playland officials could not be reached for comment, but Goodwin told Channel 2 that it takes about seven weeks before young ospreys are able to fly. By that calculation, the giant wheel could be turning again sometime after the Fourth of July.