Submitted by Nelson Hydro
Nelson Hydro recently relocated two osprey nests located at the Harrop ferry terminals. The nests were relocated because the nest material was a hazard to the osprey themselves, their young, and the electrical distribution system reliability.
Nelson Hydro worked with a local environmental specialist to secure the appropriate permitting to allow the relocation. The timing of the relocation needed to be such that the osprey were not inhabiting the nests.
The new perches were installed close to the existing nesting site at an equal or higher elevation to entice the osprey to use the new sites. These new locations do not have any electrical conductors on them, which makes them safe for the osprey and their young. The nests were removed in one piece and placed atop the new poles. Deterrent structures were placed on the previous locations to deter future builds.
The osprey now have a safer perch and we have reduced the risk of a bird or nest branches causing a power outage.
