Local osprey take to new home provided by Burlington Hydro
Published April 21, 2022 at 11:47 am
Burlington bird enthusiasts will be happy to know a pair of ospreys have found a new home provided for them by Burlington Hydro.
For years, the pair had nested atop Burlington Hydro poles that support a crossing at Hwys. 6 and 403. This caused safety concerns for both the power lines and the birds.
“If the Osprey nest were to cause an electrical short by bridging the gap between the conductor and the wood support structure, the arm supporting the conductors could burn through and fail,” said Paul Heeg, vice president, Operations and Engineering, Burlington Hydro.
“We’re very concerned about the potential danger of a conductor falling onto Hwy. 403 if that were to happen, notwithstanding the danger to the birds.”
In collaboration with Conservation Halton and the Ontario Ministry of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources and Forestry, a new pole was erected close to the current location with a platform at the top to support an Osprey’s large nest.
The work took place in advance of the ospreys returning to the nesting site and the new platform will provide a sturdy and safe location for them to raise their young.
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It was reported Tuesday that the osprey pair have taken up residence on their new nesting platform.
“Safety always remains our No. 1 priority, for the public in all circumstances, but in this case also for the nesting Ospreys,” said Gerry Smallegange, president and CEO, Burlington Hydro. “Every possible precaution has been taken to protect the integrity of the Osprey nesting site. By erecting a man-made platform nearby, the birds have been encouraged to relocate safely.”
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