Avian Surveying + Monitoring
ensuring raptor + migratory bird nesting environments
EOR partnered with BHE Environmental in performing migratory bird, raptor, and stratified bird surveys on the TransCanada Keystone Pipeline throughout the Midwest. In order for pipeline construction to remain in compliance with the US Migratory Bird Treaty Act, EOR surveyed the proposed pipeline right of way, pipe yards, pump stations and rail sidings where construction activity would occur for any nesting migratory bird.
For all active nests, bird behavior was observed, the stage in nesting was estimated, and a buffer zone was put in place to protect the nest. Until the young birds have fledged the nests no construction activity can occur within these identified buffer areas. EOR also performed field verifications of raptor nests found via helicopter surveys and observed nests and bird behavior to deem them active, suspect, or inactive. The stratified surveys included a comparative survey of bird species using a wide range of habitat and ecotypes spanning the extensive geographic range of the proposed pipeline.