Best view ‘in the house’ at Dolphins

Two locals have a bird's-eye view of everything that happens at Dolphins HQ - Redcliffe. They haven’t paid for membership and slip past the ticket booth at every match without paying a cent.

The culprits are two ospreys, a breeding pair, who have called the old lights at Kayo Stadium home since 2020, arriving about the same time as the COVID-19 pandemic.

Dolphins Group CEO Tony Murphy says the female takes care of the chicks while the male fights off the crows.

The male has been nicknamed Dessie, after late Dolphins Chairman Des Web, and many say he’s keeping an eye on things at the club he helped build.

The light pole is the last of four old lights to be moved to the junior fields after the installation of broadcast-quality lights earlier this year.

It cannot be moved until the ospreys have left the nest, after breeding season.

Tony says building contractors Paynters have engaged a raptor expert to ensure the club takes the right steps in moving the lights when the time comes.

There is a platform on the new lights, closest to their current home, which is in a higher position. Tony’s hoping the birds will use it next nesting season.

The view of the field will certainly be better.

The birds of prey have become a point of interest since their arrival.

“They certainly have. Lots of people check on them from the fitness centre especially,” Tony says.

Does the noise and light from games bother them?

“They don’t take any notice. They keep coming back. I don’t think it worries them,” Tony says.

The birds are not concerned about human activity at the club and do not pose a risk to players, staff or visitors.

“They’re quite impressive. They’ve landed on the field a few times … they’re big, impressive birds,” Tony says.

Just watch out for falling sticks or fish heads if you’re standing at the base of the lights.