New McKeesport nesting platform protects osprey family from power lines

When a pair of osprey that have been nesting in the Homestead and McKeesport area decided to build their nest on a utility pole this year, Duquesne Light and the Erie Bird Observatory got busy and successfully moved the nest.

A new nest pole and nest platform were erected in early April with the Erie Bird Observatory donating the materials and platform, according to Emily Mastroianni, a spokeswoman for Duquesne Light.

The Pennsylvania Game Commission also provided guidance to moving the nest.

“It’s great to be involved in projects like this that not only help us maintain reliable service for our customers but also put the wildlife in a much safer environment,” said Jessica Rock, vice of Communications and Corporate Citizenship at Duquesne Light.

“We’d love to see more of these nesting platforms and conservation projects happen here in Allegheny and Beaver counties,” she added.

The osprey, fish-eating birds of prey, apparently approved of the new nesting pole and platform and successfully raised two chicks this season.

On Tuesday, Duquesne Light donated $5,000 to the Erie Bird Observatory to “continue to collaborate on projects like this and further protect wildlife throughout the service territory,” said Mastroianni.

The nest is located near the McKees Point Trailhead in McKeesport.