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New Osprey Platform is Great Place to Raise a Family

Thanks to American Transmission Company (ATC), a nesting platform has been installed on the north side of The Ridges Sanctuary’s property at Highway 57 and Ridges Road in Baileys Harbor, future site of the organization’s new interpretive center. Installed on Dec. 17, the platform is part of ATC’s Avian Protection Program.

Birds nesting on utility equipment can pose problems, both for the safety of the birds as well as the reliability of the electric system. Osprey, in particular, build huge stick nests using grasses and reeds and like to use wide flat surfaces. To address the situation, the utility company installs nesting platforms on its transmission system, as well as at other locations in partnership with various agencies, organizations, and individuals throughout Wisconsin. Since 1993, ATC and other conservation organizations and utility companies have installed over 100 such platforms. In addition to enhancing service reliability, these nesting platforms protect the osprey and promote the successful breeding of this once declining species.

Baileys Harbor, already a popular birding destination, received its Bird City Wisconsin designation in 2012. Bird watchers will find it easy to spot the 70-foot platform from both Ridges Road and Highway 57. Steve Leonard, Ridges Executive Director, says the organization has plans to install a web cam at the platform to monitor its use.

“We’ll be watching closely next spring,” notes Leonard. “Assuming the osprey move into their new home, the web cam will provide a lively, real-time nature show.”

For more information about Osprey, visit http://www.birds.audubon.org/species/osprey.