Pair of Ospreys Found Dead After Nesting on Camden Power Lines

A pair of ospreys was found dead this week in Camden after building a nest directly on power lines, raising concerns about how the situation was handled.

According to Central Maine Power, the birds had previously nested for years on a platform installed above a utility pole near the middle school and wastewater treatment plant. When the ospreys migrated south last fall, CMP removed that nest and relocated the platform about 40 yards away.

The move was made after nest debris began falling onto electrical equipment serving more than 3,000 customers, including downtown Camden.

WGME went on to report that when the ospreys returned this spring, they did not use the new platform. Instead, they rebuilt their nest on the original pole — this time directly on the power lines.

Wildlife experts say that’s a dangerous situation for both birds and infrastructure.

The pair was later found dead in the nest. The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife is now working to determine the exact cause and timing of their deaths.

Local officials believe the power lines played a role. Camden Select Board member Alison McKellar called the situation a preventable mistake, noting that additional deterrents weren’t installed until after the incident.

CMP says it has installed more than 30 osprey platforms statewide and plans to review its safety procedures following what happened in Camden.

Despite the loss, there is a hopeful sign, a new pair of ospreys has already begun nesting on the relocated platform, which officials hope will provide a safer long-term home.