Everyone’s looking for the perfect home. That wonderful place to settle down and raise a little family. Not always finding the perfect location, many settle for what’s available.

Such is the case for the wayward osprey that chose to nest at Hamilton County High School. According to Florida Fish and Wildlife Biologist Rebecca Shelton, an osprey, which is on Florida’s endangered species list, is protected and cannot be readily moved. It takes a special permit from the state, careful planning, monitoring and oversight in the handling of the transfer. The transfer must be made from the original site where the bird built the nest to the an alternate site built within certain specifications to accommodate the fowl.

Why move the nest? It is uniquely situated atop one of the lighting poles on the Lady Trojans softball field. Without moving the nest, there is no night ball. The lights cannot be turned on, so the girls cannot play ball. Some also fear the nesting pole may be in danger from the boys baseball games as well, and that their playing schedule may also have to be altered.

During the Jan. 12 school board meeting, Superintendent Martha Butler said she planned to contact the Hamilton County Recreation Department to determine the feasibility of using those fields should it become necessary.

As of Tuesday, plans were underway for the removal of the nest, however, and game schedules should not be hampered.