We remove most osprey nests from our distribution line poles in order to protect both the osprey and the electric delivery system.
When an unoccupied nest (where no eggs or chicks are present) causes an outage, fire or electrocution, the nest must be removed in order to:
- Inspect the underlying crossarms and equipment to ensure there is no further damage
- Repair any damage that may have resulted
- If possible, install a nesting deterrent to try and restrict the osprey from rebuilding a nest at that location.
When an occupied nest (where there are eggs or chicks present) causes an outage, fire or electrocution, Eversource will leave the nest in place so long as power can be restored and any damaged equipment repaired.
- Any low-hanging nest material will be trimmed
- Insulators will be placed on the energized equipment below to minimize the risk of future outages or harm to the nest, eggs and/or chicks
- If a hazard to the nest exists because equipment cannot be insulated and/or nest material cannot be trimmed, our crews will work with local wildlife rehabilitators, state and federal agencies to develop a plan to protect the birds and maintain the integrity of the electric system
We follow strict guidelines set by the United States Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS) and Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife when it comes to maintaining our electric system around Osprey nests. These rules include not disturbing active nests that contain an egg or a flightless chick.