A sure sign of spring is the return of an osprey family to its familiar hydro pole north of Bradford.
A couple of the majestic, fish-eating raptors are back at a summer home on a nesting platform atop the pole on Line 13 and Yonge Street.
Birders and photographers alike can be seen stopping to catch a unique view of the big birds of prey.
Hydro One began building the bird platforms for ospreys about 10 years ago to protect the birds from live wires and prevent power outages.
"Ospreys typically live around bodies of water and tend to build their nests up high, including at times, on our distribution poles," said Alicia Sayers, Hydro One Communications Officer. "These nests can cause outages or damage to both Hydro One and customer equipment."
"When customers or our staff identify an osprey nest on a pole, we have practices in place to ensure the continued safe delivery of electricity," explained Sayers. "This is done through the installation of osprey nest platforms onto existing poles or installing a separate osprey nest pole and platform."
The environmental initiative by Hydro One means dedicated birders and the curious can watch the soaring, nose-diving raptors from a safe distance below as they build their nest and raise a family.
