Eagle nest surveying

Helicopter surveying of eagle nest activity are scheduled to undertaken on Monday, 31 October (weather dependent). There are 13 known eagle nests that will be assessed along the proposed North West Transmission Developments route.

The surveying team will follow a strict methodology for carrying out the assessment. This includes all observers including the pilot undertaking a full sky sweep for any eagles in flight of the vicinity starting from 2km of the approach to the nest.

If an eagle is spotted its behaviour will be observed. Behaviours such as 'pot hooking', extended talons, or flying in the direction of the helicopter are indicators of aggression from the eagle(s). Should this occur the nest will be considered active by default and will not be approached.

If there are no signs of this behaviour as the helicopter nears the nest a quiet approach will be taken at a speed of 40 knots. Where a nest cannot be seen on a single pass the location of the nest will be circled no more than twice.

To reduce disturbance as much as possible the helicopter will not hover or be within the vicinity of a nest for any longer than 30 seconds.

During transit between nests the helicopter will fly at a minimum altitude of 1,000ft observing those land parcels registered as 'Do Not Fly' and 'If Cattle Do Not Fly'.

It is expected that the surveying will take half a day.