Help BGE protect osprey and prevent power outages

Around the Chesapeake Bay, a favorite nesting spot for ospreys is the top of utility poles, which poses a danger to birds while raising the risk of disruptions to electric service.  

To protect the ospreys and help BGE continue the safe and reliable delivery of electricity, the company launched a nest identification program called Osprey Watch.  

Here's how you can help: When you see an osprey nest on BGE equipment, report the location of the osprey nest by emailing the following information to [email protected]: 

• The pole number, located on a placard near eye level on the pole (**Only if the pole is easily accessible**) 
• The nearest address to the pole, and photos of the pole taken from different perspectives (**If the pole is not easily accessible**) 
  

Alternatively, osprey nest location information may be shared over the phone with BGE's customer service team at 1-800-685-0123. 

When BGE receives a report of a nest, crews follow all federal and local wildlife regulations while assessing whether the nest is inhabited. The nest is removed if no birds or eggs are present and a deterrent is placed on the top of the pole to dissuade the birds from building another nest; in some cases, BGE installs a new, safe platform specifically for the ospreys to build their nests nearby. If the nest is inhabited, crews install rubber insulation on wires and other equipment to shield the birds and protect the equipment.

The most impacted areas are located along the Chesapeake Bay and include Havre de Grace, near Martin State Airport, south Baltimore, south of Annapolis, and Shady Side to Deale in Anne Arundel County. 

Thank you for your support!