Protecting the Environment: AEP Ohio Rescues Red-Tailed Hawk Chicks and Eggs

Last month, Brock Welker, a Newark transmission construction representative, was deep into a rebuild project near Zanesville with plans to dismantle and rebuild several transmission towers by the end of May. But the project encountered a minor setback that delayed some work for a few days: two red-tailed hawk nests built inside the towers.

“We used drones to take a closer look and found two nests with eggs and chicks,” Welker said. “That’s when I knew the project had to stop to help these babies find a safe home.”

Welker immediately contacted Amy Toohey and Shannon Hemmerly, both of whom work in the environmental department, for help. They coordinated with the Ohio Division of Wildlife, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Rebecca Jaramillo from the Glen Helen Raptor Center, a non-profit organization that educates people about raptors and rehabilitates injured raptors with the goal of releasing them back into the wild.

“It was such a quick turnaround,” Toohey said. “I was pleasantly surprised how quickly all the agencies — from Glen Helen Raptor Center to the Ohio Division of Wildlife — came together to help us save these baby birds. It was a team effort resulting in a creative solution showing environmental respect and collaboration.”

Welker recalled an exhilarating moment during the egg retrieval at one of the structures: “One side of the tower was still energized, and the mother flew off as we approached,” he said. “One of the contractors grounded the side of the tower that was de-energized and moved in to retrieve the eggs. It was a mix of excitement and urgency.”

Rescuing the baby chicks and eggs delayed the project by about three days, but Welker said they were able to get back on track thanks to the quick teamwork.

Hemmerly said the mother hawk would likely build another nest and have more chicks later in the season. “The design of the new poles will make it difficult for birds to nest in the future, ensuring their safety,” she said.

Jaramillo shared her experience retrieving the chicks from the second nest: “I moved in to hold the mother hawk and a contractor assisted with the retrieval. It was heartwarming to see the team’s dedication to protecting these birds.”

Once retrieved, the eggs were placed in an incubator and the baby chicks were placed with another female hawk already in the raptor center’s care. Jaramillo emphasized the importance of such efforts in wildlife rehabilitation.

“Every year, we rescue around 200 sick and orphaned birds, aiming to send them back into the wild once they learn to fly,” she said.

Welker said he was proud to be part of a team that prioritizes wildlife conservation. “I’ve been with AEP for 10 years and working on this project has been one of the most fulfilling experiences of my career,” he said.

The team plans to continue monitoring any new nests in the area, ensuring the safety of red-tailed hawks and other birds. “We’re all committed to doing the right thing for these birds, and it’s inspiring to see everyone come together for a common goal,” Welker said.

Watch Here

Go here to see the baby red-tailed hawks’ hatch! You can also visit the Glen Helen Raptor Center’s Instagram page to see the team feeding the adorable hatchlings.