Shielding Blue Herons

In recent years, great blue herons, a protected migratory species, have shown a growing fondness for building nests and raising their young on Oncor's transmission towers. Although the birds were prospering, reliable electric service was not. Debris from nests and excrement on the insulators and conductors caused an increasing number of service interruptions.

Working with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Oncor resolved this problem by installing protective devices under the nests to catch falling debris. The first line received temporary "insulator shield plates" crafted from extra-large flower pot saucers. A transmission employee devised this short-term solution after studying the situation and talking with other utility companies.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture observed the successful installation of insulator shield plates under 15 nests containing 16 young birds and three unhatched eggs. Because none of the birds or eggs were disturbed or harmed in this installation, Oncor was allowed to install the shield devices on other lines without additional federal permits or the presence of agency representatives.