How to Stop Nesting Problems

With populations of avian species that nest on power structures, including eagles, osprey, ravens, crows, and many others, rapidly recovering/increasing, nesting activity is becoming an increasing problem and the need for effective nest prevention has grown.

Why should we prevent nesting activity on electrical structures?

Bird nests on distribution poles and transmission structures are a critical issue. Bird nests on distribution pole cross arms can cause phase-to-ground power outages and bird nests on transmission structures increase potential risk of flashover. In both scenarios, bird nests can lead to power outages, fires, and avian electrocutions due to increased bird activity around nesting spaces.

Not only are nests often large and of course conductive due to the fact that nests are mainly made of sticks, but the increased bird activity around the nest can also pose additional risk of a potential thermal event (i.e. an electrocution event). As a utility's goal is to prevent potential thermal events and reduce the risk of a power outage, fire, etc., it is vital that nest prevention embodies a holistic approach to preventing nests on power structures and providing nesting grounds in safer locations.

Power Line Sentry offers a full portfolio of nest diverters to prevent bird nests on distribution pole cross arms and transmission structures, and we create custom nest diverter solutions for uniquely designed structures as well. Our line of nest diverters and nest platforms are proven to be effective and are built for longevity. 

effective avian nesting prevention

Our Nest Diverter product line was designed around an initial product release and independent research study that demonstrated an astonishing 100% efficacy rate in preventing Chihuahuan raven nests on H-frame transmission structures in in southeastern Colorado.

Since this initial product conception the Power Line Sentry nest prevention portfolio has expanded from H-frame nest prevention to include nest diverters for a variety of structures. From custom designs to our universal diverters that extend to provide a perfect fit on all cross arm lengths, all designs feature the pointed triangular top and are made of high-quality durable materials that are built to last.

Managing nesting by Chihuahuan Ravens on H-Frame Electric Transmission Structures

Abstract

"Electric utility structures occur widely in natural and human-dominated landscapes and are often used by birds for nesting. Nests can cause power outages, fires, and electrocution of birds and their young, particularly if nests occur directly above energized equipment and incorporate metal wire. Chihuahuan raven (Corvus cryptoleucus) nests often contain metal wire and occur over energized equipment. To explore a proactive risk mitigation strategy we deployed novel nest diverters on 51 structures supporting a 230 kV H-frame transmission line in Kiowa and Bent Counties, Colorado, USA, and compared nesting on these structures with nesting on 66 structures without nest diverters on the same line. Chihuahuan ravens placed nest material on 7% of treated structures and 43% of untreated structures and nested on 0% of treated structures and 34% of untreated structures. Chihuahuan ravens were less likely to attempt to nest on, or actually nest on, structures treated with nest diverters."

James F. Dwyer, EDM Internationa

Diana L. Leiker, Tristate Generation and Transmission

best-in-class nesting prevention for distribution cross arms + transmission structures

Power Line Sentry Nest Diverters are known as best-in-class nesting prevention - even for eagle and osprey nesting situations. Thanks to its winning design - featuring a unique shape, quality materials, and mounting techniques - these nest diverters deflect sticks dropped in nesting attempts by raptors including eagles and osprey, as well as prevent corvids, including crows and ravens, from building nests on electrical structures.

Duke Nest Diverter

what is best in class nesting prevention

Nest diverters are vital but are only part of the solution. A full solution requires a big picture view of how the environment, the wildlife, and all of their variations, interact with the electrical infrastructure in question.

Eco regions where the environment and wildlife thrive often features a diverse mix of habitat for feeding, nesting, mating, and raising young. Therefore providing an alternate nesting platform with similar view points and advantages to nesting on electrical structures is an important part of a full solution.

Full nesting prevention plans often include:

Nest diverters for distribution cross arms
nest diverters for transmission structures
multi-generation nest platforms
pole wrap positioned under nest platforms to deter climbing from interfering with nests
super strap banding for an easy nest diverter installation, especially on non-wood poles 
nest diverters1

Distribution Nest Diverters

nest div png

transmission Nest Diverters

super strap

Super strap banding

nest platform 3

multi-gen Nest platforms

pole wrap x nest platform

pole wrap

featuring our universal nest diverter product

The Power Line Sentry universal nest diverter product solves an all too common situation: modifying a size for a perfect fit in the field. With our overlapping accordion-style design, sleeves extend in or out as needed to provide an accurate fit on any cross arm length. Plus, installation is quick and easy. With multiple attachment options, diverters can be screwed into position or can be strapped into position with traditional steel banding or with our Super Strap Polymer Banding.

made from V-0 flame retardant RPVC
pointed triangular a-frame design is effectively shaped to deflect sticks used in nesting attempts
easy to install with super strap banding or with screws
Extendable design provides the perfect fit on all cross arm designs
universal nest diverters for double cross arms provide 24-43" protection 
universal nest diverters for single cross arms provide 24-48" protection
12" sleeve segments available for additional coverage as needed

we are here to help

Our products are known as best-in-class for many reasons, from our thorough design process to our high quality materials to our continuous research, and our team of experts loves nothing more than making electrical systems as reliable as possible - so please do not hesitate to reach out. We are happy to help.