General News
27 June, 2026
Trio need apt titles
THREE chicks have hatched from a nest on a Telstra mobile tower at Mission Beach.
Cassowary Coast Regional Council has launched a competition to name the chicks via their Facebook page – www.observer.s.gy/FYiosS
The council suggests iconic trio titles – famous characters, local-inspired names or a creative theme – three names that go together.
The most popular suggestions will go through to a community vote.
Birdlife Northern Queensland convenor Denis Walls said the osprey was one of the world’s most widely-distributed birds and quite common in Far North Queensland.
“Telecommunication towers have been a real boon to their nesting sites,” he said.
“The female lays two to three eggs which are mainly incubated by her for five to six weeks.
“Although the male does sit on the eggs from time to time, his main role is to bring in fish on which the birds depend.
“The fledglings will leave the nest after seven to eight weeks and it’s during this time that it has become popular globally to observe the young through video cameras.
“It’s great to see this happening more and more in Australia and allows us to love the chicks, and their majestic parents, through individual naming competitions.
“This can only increase our love of our wonderful wildlife and emphasise the vital importance of protecting what we have for future generations who learn to love and appreciate through direct connection with the natural world”.
Bird enthusiasts are working with the regional council, Telstra, the BirdLife Australia Raptor Group and the Port Lincoln Osprey project to investigate the installation of a live webcam on one of the nesting towers at Mission Beach.
A BirdLife Northern Queensland spokeswoman said similar nest cameras elsewhere in Australia had proven popular, helping to build public awareness and appreciation for raptors, while also providing valuable behavioural and breeding data.
“Support for a Mission Beach osprey webcam could create a unique community and ecotourism asset while further strengthening the connection between local residents and their coastal wildlife,” she said.
“Residents of Mission Beach may recently have seen reports about upgrades to Telstra communication towers being delayed after nesting ospreys were discovered on the structures.
“The decision to postpone works until the chicks have hatched and fledged is an excellent example of practical coexistence between people and wildlife – and a reminder of how important human infrastructure has become for some coastal raptors.
Names already suggested by residents include:
Huey, Duey and Louie – Robyn Warrener
Larry, Curly and Mo – Kieran McDonald
Skipper, Diver and Drift – Brendan Anea Sabino
Chicko, Nikko and Burrito – Susan Foley
Luciano Pavarotti, Placido Domingo, Jose Carreras – Belinda Jackson
Eeney, Meeney, Miney – Dee Blanshard
Missi, Bessy and Ossie – Yvonne Poiana
Snap, Crackle and Pop – Warren Woz Giffin
The three musketeers – Jane Hunter
3G, 4G and 5G – Craig Gilbert Photography
Sunny, Windy and Rainy – Terese Tinker
Eleanor, Spencer, Tobin … the three marines killed in an Osprey crash in Northern Territory in 2023 – Kaleb Sager
Hawkeye, Radar and BJ – Jackie Anthony.
Read More: Mission Beach