Bird Box Fine Hard Lesson To Swallow For Calgary Firm

Disturbing nesting boxes of a protected migratory species during road construction has cost a Calgary based construction company $100,000.

And although the offence happened in Alberta the bird in question - Tree Swallow - also nests throughout Saskatchewan, including Moose Jaw and area.

Tree Swallows breed in open habitats such as fields and wetlands most often adjacent to water.

Tree swallows nest in artificial nest boxes as well as tree cavities. They often nest in bird boxes built for bluebirds.

While foraging for food Tree Swallows are often seen over fields, wetlands and open areas. They eat insects such as mosquitoes.

EllisDon Construction Services Inc. was sentenced in the Provincial Court of Alberta in Calgary after pleading guilty to one count of violating section 6(a) of the Migratory Birds Regulations pursuant to the Migratory Birds Convention Act, 1994 (MBCA, 1994).

The offences relate to disturbing migratory bird nests without a permit during the course of their work at the West Calgary Ring Road project site in June 2019.

A similar swallow related nest destruction incident and fine was assessed for destroying Bank Swallow nest in a Nova Scotia gravel pit. The Bank Swallow also nests in Saskatchewan and the Moose Jaw area.

In the Calgary case EllisDon Construction Services Inc took down nesting boxes and a passerby heard birds chirping prompting the passerby to put the seven nesting boxes back up and report the event to wildlife officials who investigated the incident and charged the company.

The $100,000 minimum fine under the Act will go to the Environmental Damages Fund that goes to projects to help protect the environment.

Anyone who suspects migratory birds nesting sites have been disturbed or in peril is encouraged to contact the Turn In Poachers hotline.

Call the Saskatchewan Ministry of Environment Turn In Poachers & Polluters (TIPP) Line, toll-free, at 1-800-667-7561 or #5555 from a Sasktel cellphone (phone calls only, no text messages).

Or report online at saskatchewan.ca/tipp.

Calls are taken 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $2,000 if your information leads to a conviction.