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Bird platform prevents shock to system

When a twig the osprey brought to build its nest in the Nakusp pole yard blew the transformer beneath it, it was the last straw.
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Hydro put up platforms for endangered Ospreys to build their nests on

When a twig the osprey brought to build its nest blew the transformer beneath it, it was the last straw.

Hydro workers had placed a peaked roof over the power pole to keep the birds from constructing their home in the high-voltage spot. But the osprey had been obstinate, manoeuvring around the pitched plastic, determined to make a home for its family in the pole yard.

When Hydro took a look at the power line, they saw their feathered friend had narrowly escaped with its skin intact. The transformer had been badly melted and power had been knocked out by a stray stick landing in the wrong spot.

Before there was a nest – or a nest fire and fried bird – workers were out erecting another pole right next to the high-power line. This one had a convenient platform without a peaked roof or a deadly transformer they hoped the bird would decide made a better nesting spot.

 

Even before the machinery had cleared out, the osprey couple had decided to make their move, and started depositing stick to their new pad, recently donated by BC Hydro.