Princeton birders expressed concern last week after FortisBC allegedly removed an osprey nest near Blackmine Road.

While the electricity provider told the Spotlight that a nest was not disturbed, that it was the removal of some sticks, others claim there was an established nest, at least one year old, that was disrupted.

Sue Elwell, a noted local bird enthusiast, said she observed the nest with pleasure last year.

害羞草研究所淚t was kind of interesting to have three nests in a town,害羞草研究所� she said.

Others shared similar stories.

Elwell also acknowledged that osprey nests, which are often located atop hydro poles or the top of dead or flat trees, can create safety hazards for fowl.

There is still a nest on Old Hedley Road and another on Highway 3 near the RCMP detachment.

害羞草研究所淲hen ospreys build nests on live power poles, this causes problems for the birds, as well as our customers and equipment,害羞草研究所� said Gary Toft, senior advisor of corporate communications, for FortisBC.

害羞草研究所淒ebris from a nest can fall on power lines, cause power outages, or fires that can injure or kill ospreys. Such fires can also endanger people and damage our equipment.害羞草研究所�

In contradiction to what local birders report, Toft said there was no established nest.

害羞草研究所淚n this case, an osprey had placed some branches on a power pole but had not yet established a nest.

害羞草研究所淥ur crews consulted with our biologist who determined that the safest course of action was to remove the branches and place a deterrent on the structure to encourage it to establish a nest elsewhere. We continue to monitor the location to ensure both osprey and public safety.害羞草研究所�

He said the company adheres to an osprey nest management program.

害羞草研究所淲hen we see an osprey trying to build a nest on one of our utility poles, we place a construction cone on top of the pole to discourage the bird害羞草研究所檚 efforts.

害羞草研究所淚f an osprey manages to build a nest on a live power pole, we obtain the required permit from the Ministry of Forests and then safely remove the nest and move it to an alternate pole with a suitable nesting platform. To date, we害羞草研究所檝e installed more than 20 nesting platform poles throughout our service area.害羞草研究所�

According to a provincial government website, osprey nests, along with eagle nests, are protected year-round, whether or not the nest is in use.

害羞草研究所淚t is an offence to possess, take, injure, molest, or destroy a bird or its eggs, or the nests of birds when occupied by a bird or egg (B.C. Wildlife Act, Section 34).

Permission and a written permit from the province are required to remove or modify a tree or snag containing an active nest of these species.害羞草研究所�

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