Rye Playland’s iconic ferris wheel is now back in service after two osprey nests that halted its operation were removed. The nests were removed by the USDA’s Wildlife Services, according to Playland’s Facebook page. Both nests were abandoned with nonviable eggs inside of them.
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and federal regulations protect osprey nests from disruption during their breeding season (March 15 to Sept. 1), but Playland received a permit to have USDA Wildlife Services remove the nests last week. The park “hopes the birds have found a place to build their nest,” Playland said.
When the nest was discovered atop one of the gondolas of the ferris wheel just before Playland’s Grand Opening on May 18, the ride ceased operation.
Ospreys tend to build their nests in high places, and have been known to nest in the Edith Read Sanctuary next to Playland, which may be the location the Playland ospreys opted for instead.