For the Birds
NorthWestern Energy has a number of programs designed to protect avian species.
Avian Conservation
Soaring Osprey Population
As Montana's osprey population has rebounded, we are working, alongside Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, Montana Audubon and other partners, to make sure the birds have safe places to nest.
Avian-safe power poles
Avian-safe power poles
NorthWestern Energy designs new power poles to reduce bird electrocutions and collisions.
Meet our bird biologist
Meet our bird biologist
Previously a wildlife professor for nearly 20 years, Dr. Marco Restani works as a wildlife biologist for NorthWestern Energy and is an avid volunteer with the Yellowstone Valley Audubon Society.
Partnering to protect eagles
Partnering to protect eagles
The Eagle Protection and Offset Program, or EPOP, is a remarkable program designed to provide long-term protection to both bald and golden eagles, while streamlining the process for wind project owners needing to fulfill permit requirements.
Solving an Outage Mystery
Solving an Outage Mystery
The leading cause of power outages on NorthWestern Energy’s largest transmission line probably isn’t what you’d expect. It’s not wind, or storms, or trees falling on the line. The leading cause of outages is birds, or more specifically, bird poop.
Learn about the innovative ways we're working to prevent those outages.