Liberty Wildlife and Arizona Public Service (APS) have collaborated to provide a new nesting platform for protected bird species along the southern bank of the Salt River near Tempe. The effort addresses the lack of suitable habitat for large birds of prey, known as raptors, in an area dominated by industrial facilities and distribution centers.
Mathew Downs, APS Natural Resource Specialist, and Laura Hackett, Liberty Wildlife Biologist, worked together on a plan that involved APS lineworkers installing a 45-foot wooden pole with a platform and perch. The structure is oriented north-northwest to suit typical raptor habits. In summer, this orientation allows sunlight to warm the birds’ backs while keeping eggs and birds from overheating.
“Red-tailed hawks, ravens, osprey, even eagles and other birds will enjoy this perch. It provides an ideal launch point for birds to hunt, nest, safely lay eggs and care for their young,” said Downs. “The perch towers over the area and will give these birds command of the skies, which will enrich the eco-system here.”
Hackett added: “It will make the entire Rio Saldo corridor healthier for these majestic birds and make the area a better place for our community to enjoy and appreciate native wildlife.”
APS natural resource experts assess infrastructure statewide in areas with higher bird populations. Their efforts include using protective coatings on power lines and installing about 1,000 bird guards annually on power poles to reduce injuries among local wildlife.
The partnership between APS—a regulated utility company headquartered in Phoenix that delivers electricity to about 1.4 million customers across much of Arizona—and Liberty Wildlife focuses on environmental protection while maintaining reliable energy service. APS offers various customer services such as outage support, billing assistance programs like the Energy Support Program for eligible households based on income and size, and works toward increasing renewable energy resources for sustainability (https://www.aps.com).
For more information about each organization’s efforts, visit libertywildlife.org or aps.com/wildlifeprotection.
