BC Hydro building nesting platforms on power poles near Williams Lake

Ospreys naturally seek high places to build nests, but choosing energized infrastructure can be dangerous for the birds and the equipment.

“As these nests grow, they get really heavy and they can cause power outages, they can damage our equipment, they can put bids at risk of injuries or electrocution,” said Susie Rieder, BC Hydro spokesperson.

Rieder said workers with the power company, in collaboration with the City of Williams Lake, safely moved the birds to a new home nearby.

“We installed taller poles with dedicated nesting platforms right by the original sites and we transferred the nests there,” said Rieder.

“These nesting platforms provide ospreys with a really safe elevated place to build their nests away from that electrical equipment and still meets their natural preference for having a high place to build their nests.”

Rieder said this is a common occurrence for B.C., as the osprey return every year for breeding season from March to late summer.

“We are seeing a lot of osprey in the Southern Interior and in the North. So far, we have worked on 24 nesting platforms across the Southern Interior,” said Rieder.

“This includes relocations, replacements and new installations.”

BC Hydro said building new nesting platforms for the birds is not a new practice for the company.

“This is something we have been doing for decades. We prepare for peak nesting activity – between April and July – by having the right equipment on hand so we can help these birds and keep the risk down on the system,” said Rieder.

by Elora McCormack

BC Hydro building nesting platforms on power poles near Williams Lake

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