A Feathered Interference
An osprey has claimed a light pole above Ostland Field at Walker‑Hackensack‑Akeley High School as the site of its nest, a discovery that has halted the use of stadium lights for evening competitions.
Because the bird is protected under federal law, the nest cannot be disturbed while it contains eggs or chicks, and any removal requires a permit from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.
Daylight‑Only Schedules
Consequently, both the football team and the girls’ soccer squad have been forced to shift their matches to a 5 p.m. start, with the first rescheduled game set for September 1 and the next on September 3.
The adjustment means players now compete under natural light, and the school has coordinated with coaches to ensure that practice sessions and travel plans accommodate the earlier kickoff times.
Looking Ahead
School officials anticipate that the osprey will vacate the pole in late summer or early fall, at which point a DNR permit will allow the nest to be safely removed. Until then, the community has rallied around the unusual situation, viewing the bird’s presence as a reminder of the region’s natural heritage.
Head coach Aaron Pfeiffer says the new timetable has been embraced by the athletes, who have adjusted their routines without major disruption.