An osprey nest that was removed due to construction in a Westport shopping plaza has been returned after public backlash.

The nest at 605 Post Road East has been home to the ospreys for years, but was removed Saturday after concerns that nearby construction would disturb nesting.

Milan Bull, of the Connecticut Audubon Society, said they were contacted by a construction company Friday night.

He said Regency Centers, who owns the property, told the Connecticut Audubon Society that they were taking the nest down before the birds begin laying eggs.

After outrage from the community, Regency Centers put the osprey nest back overnight and said it was a mistake to remove it.

The Connecticut Audubon Society said although the nest is back, the birds are trying to rebuild because most of the nest fell apart once it was removed from a pole supporting it. 

There is a meeting about the construction project on Thursday. Regency Centers and concerned residents both say they will be there.