As ospreys return to BC for Spring, BC Hydro crews are busy helping them find safer places to nest.
Not long ago two osprey nests were built on active power lines in the Williams Lake area and have been safely relocated to purpose-built nesting platforms.
“They were spotted last month near White Road and Highway 97 and also along South Lakeside Drive,” BC Spokesperson Susie Rieder said, “They were starting to take shape on our power poles and ospreys seek out high places to build their nests. And as these nest grow they can become very large and heavy so that increases the risk of equipment damage and outages. It could also put the birds at risk of injury or electrocution.”
Rieder said BC Hydro made purpose-built platforms which is part of our work to reduce risk to wildlife and communities across the province.
“This is part of broader ongoing work across BC to manage these osprey related risks. So far this year in the Southern Interior we’ve worked on about 16 osprey nesting platforms that included relocating existing nests, replacing platforms and installing new platforms. In the Northern Interior we have already completed work on approximately 24 nesting platforms so far.”
Working with the City of Williams Lake, BC Hydro crews installed new, taller poles with dedicated nesting platforms close to the original sites that provide a safer alternative that meets the bird’s preference for elevated nesting locations.
“This does of course help protect the ecosystem and reduces the risk of outages. We take lots of steps at Hydro to protect birds and wildlife. We definitely plan our work around nesting season to avoid disturbing the birds. Nesting season starts in the Spring and goes until about July so we do see the birds quite active during that period. We do support habitat restoration around our power corridors and reservoirs.”
Rieder added that they do work with experts to monitor our bird activity and continuously improve protection.
Original story: Power outage for several customers as BC Hydro crews relocate osprey nests : My Cariboo Now
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