SET-UP SLIDE

Bridges and Birds:Use & Implementation of the Migratory Bird

Special Provision

Richard A. Wolinski

wolinskir@michigan.gov

Bridges and Birds:

Use and Implementation of the Migratory

Bird Special Provision

Richard A. Wolinski, Wildlife Ecologist

Michigan Department of Transportation

Why Required

Migratory Bird Treaty Act

Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act

Protects birds, their nests, and their young

Barn Swallow

Regulatory Agency Coordination

US Fish and Wildlife Service

Eastern Phoebe

Specific Questions We Ask

Are there bridges or culverts over water that will require work?

Are there existing nests under the structure?

Cliff Swallow Nests

What About Other Bridges?

Some bridges that span upland have nesting

birds

The same requirements apply

American Robin

Mitigation

Special Provision for Migratory Bird

Protection

No special actions by the contractor are necessary if bridge work is done entirely on the deck

CAUTION!

If this work requires the installation of protective measures under the deck for other purposes then

the special provision will apply

Collection of Falling Debris

Mitigation

Special Provision for Migratory Bird

Protection

For all other bridge work completed between September 1st and May 15th (winter), birds are not actively nesting so no special actions by the

contractor are necessary

CAUTION!

These dates are likely to change next year

No nests built Erect barriers before the nesting season to discourage nesting

Birds penetrate barrier or nest building has already begun If no eggs or chicks in the nest then contractor may knock down the nest or

hose down with water

If eggs or chicks exist construction will be halted until chicks fledge

Accidentally dislodge a nest containing chicks or eggs Contractor shall deliver eggs/chicks to a licensed wildlife rehabilitation

facility

All of the extra cost to the project is the contractor’s responsibility

Basics of the Migratory Bird

Special Provision

Project Example Over Water

US-127 Bridge over St. Joseph Creek,Hillsdale County

Tarp used to

prevent swallow

nesting

Project Example Over UplandI-75 Bridge over Rail Spur

Monroe County

Up-coming Changes

Change in dates for

active period of nesting

Earlier in the spring-

about 2-3 weeks

Later in the summer- 1-2

weeks?

Questions