The Response of Nesting Ospreys (Pandion haliaetus) to Maintenance Activities along Transmission Lines in Central Wisconsin

Wisconsin’s Osprey (Pandion haliaetus) population has increased in recent decades, in part due to their adaptation to using artificial nest supports (e.g., power line structures and communications towers), as well as the provision of artificial nesting platforms.  The response of nesting Ospreys to human disturbance varies in context with timing and the type of activity.  Between the 2006 and 2008 breeding seasons, we evaluated the behavioral response of four pairs of nesting Ospreys to electric transmission line maintenance activities at three nests in Adams and Wood Counties and one nest in Marquette County, Wisconsin.  All observations were conducted during unscheduled emergency maintenance at electrical transmission line H-frame structures.  One Osprey nest occurred on the actual H-frame structure being maintained, and the other three nests were on adjacent structures to those being maintained (<300 m away).  In each case, Ospreys showed temporary distress during maintenance activities, but resumed normal activities upon completion of work.  Our observations suggest that in some cases, Ospreys are tolerant of temporary disturbance during the nesting period.

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