Shocking problem for osprey nests built on B.C. power poles prompts relocations

Advertisement

Advertise with us

WILLIAMS LAKE - It’s a busy time for ospreys in British Columbia as they find a tall place to build their nests, but the provincial power utility says it can also be a dangerous period for them. 

Read this article for free:

or

Already have an account? Log in here »

To continue reading, please subscribe:

Digital Subscription

One year of digital access for only $1.44 a week*

  • Enjoy unlimited reading on winnipegfreepress.com
  • Read the E-Edition, our digital replica newspaper
  • Access News Break, our award-winning app
  • Play interactive puzzles

*Billed as $5.77 plus GST every four weeks. After 52 weeks, price increases to the regular rate of $19.95 plus GST every four weeks. Offer available to new and qualified returning subscribers only. Cancel any time.

To continue reading, please subscribe:

Add Free Press access to your Brandon Sun subscription for only an additional

$1 for the first 4 weeks*

  • Enjoy unlimited reading on winnipegfreepress.com
  • Read the E-Edition, our digital replica newspaper
  • Access News Break, our award-winning app
  • Play interactive puzzles
Start now

*Your next Brandon Sun subscription payment will increase by $1.00 and you will be charged $17.95 plus GST for four weeks. After four weeks, your payment will increase to $24.95 plus GST every four weeks.

WILLIAMS LAKE – It’s a busy time for ospreys in British Columbia as they find a tall place to build their nests, but the provincial power utility says it can also be a dangerous period for them. 

BC Hydro says its crews have recently moved two osprey nests in the Williams Lake area to purpose-built nesting platforms not far from their original nests on active power poles.

Hydro says in a statement that a bird’s choice of nesting on a power pole poses significant dangers to the animals, but as it keeps adding sticks to its home, it also increases the risk of power outages.

B.C. Hydro crews work to remove an Osprey nest seen in this undated photo. B.C. Hydro says that the bird's choice of nesting on a power pole poses significant dangers to the animals and can cause power outages. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Handout -  BC Hydro (Mandatory Credit)
B.C. Hydro crews work to remove an Osprey nest seen in this undated photo. B.C. Hydro says that the bird's choice of nesting on a power pole poses significant dangers to the animals and can cause power outages. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Handout - BC Hydro (Mandatory Credit)

The utility says in a statement that the relocations are part of broader work to manage the osprey-related risks. 

Crews in the southern Interior have worked on 16 nesting platforms this year, either for relocating nests, replacing aging platforms or installing new sites in areas with repeated osprey-related outages. 

Peak nesting activity for the birds is from April to July, and BC Hydro says because ospreys often reuse their nests, early detection and relocation is especially important. 

This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 2, 2026. 

Report Error Submit a Tip

Business

LOAD BUSINESS ARTICLES