Understand that during spring any boat in the water – especially a boat on a mooring – is a prime spot for a pair of mating osprey. Here's how to fight back.

• Birds intent on nesting need hours, not days, to establish their roost. Arrange to make frequent visits during nesting season.
• Deterrents like snakes, owls, and scare eye balloons only work if you constantly move them around.
• The fewer horizontal surfaces on board, the better. Remove your bimini and put your dinghy on the foredeck.
• Effective deterrents include stringing the topsides with fishing line and frequent use of the boat.
• Osprey nests and babies are protected. If eggs have been laid by a migratory bird, there's nothing to do but wait it out until the hatchlings have moved on.