Operational Guidance for Migratory Bird Nests under Bridges and in Culverts provides measures to conserve migratory birds and their nests during common vegetation management activities necessary for maintaining sight lines, removing hazards, or similar activities, such as pruning or removing woody vegetation, and mowing during the General Nesting Period of migratory birds. It provides guidance to minimize the risk of non-compliance with the Migratory Birds Convention Act and associated Migratory Bird Regulations. The guidance provided is intended to be non-prescriptive and allows for the flexible application of principles for a variety of contexts.
This is part of a series of documents which are intended to be used alone or in conjunction with each other. It is recommended that practitioners have an understanding of the principles outlined in Beneficial Practices for Compliance with the Migratory Birds Convention Act and Regulations (2018) before applying any guidance proposed.
Background: Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC), through the Canadian Wildlife Service (CWS), administers the Migratory Birds Convention Act, 1994 and associated Migratory Bird Regulations to protect and conserve the vast majority of birds encountered in Canada. Migratory birds are frequently identified and encountered along transportation rights-of-way within natural habitats, as well as on culverts, bridges and other human-made structures. The presence of migratory birds can significantly delay a project or routine maintenance operation if it has not been accounted for during the project’s planning and design phase.
Buying this Publication
This can be purchased on its own or as part of a package including two other related syntheses of practices.
- Beneficial Practices for Compliance with the Migratory Birds Convention Act and Regulations PTM-BPCMB-E: $129 member / $169 regular. Available in print or e-book.
- Operational Guidance for Migratory Birds and Vegetation Management for Existing Transportation Facilities and Infrastructure PTM-MBVM-E: $45 member / $65 regular. Available in print or e-book.
- The package (PKG-MBBPOG-E) of all three syntheses of practices is $175 member / $225 regular and is available in print or e-book.
