What will happen to the swallows nesting under the old Champlain Bridge?

Six years ago, when workers on the new Samuel De Champlain Bridge learned that they would have to do some workarounds to accommodate the old bridge's active bird populations, they were less than enthused.

"In the beginning, workers were like, 'How come we have to do that training about the falcons and swallows?'" said biologist Pierre Molina.

"Now, they own the birds. They are their birds. For the falcons, at Champlain and other bridges, they give the birds names."

With the new Samuel De Champlain Bridge now finished, it's only a matter of time before the old bridge is dismantled.

To prepare for the inevitable loss of the birds' homes, Molina has been work for years with the Jacques Cartier and Champlain Bridges Corporation (PJCCI), to develop a gentle approach that won't ruffle too many feathers.

Six years ago, workers started installing metal beams with ledges under the nearby ice bridge, to entice the birds to leave the old Champlain Bridge and nest there, instead.

Today, there are 380 pairs of swallows nesting on the old Champlain Bridge and 480 on the ice bridge.

Molina said he's optimistic that those reluctant to move will relocate to the ice bridge, too, before the old structure comes down.

"What we think will happen is that when the old bridge is deconstructed, the swallows will try to find other spots. And actually the ice bridge will be the perfect area."

Among largest colonies in Quebec

The American cliff swallows living under these bridges make up one of the largest colonies in Quebec.

Swallows are insect eaters and like to choose spots high up, near water, where they gather mud and mix it with saliva to build the nests where they mate and raise their young.

Molina lauded the PJCCI for planning well ahead for the swallows' relocation. He said with wildlife, "you're never 100 per cent sure" how animals will behave.

The installation of the metal beams on the ice bridge has "worked out beautifully," he said.

Molina said the work has been so successful that other project developers have taken notice.

"We've already had requests from other provinces, other contractors asking, 'How can we do the same work you do?'" he said.

"Honestly, once you know the basics and you know the ecology of the specific birds, it's a win-win situation for both."

The swallows likely won't be tempted to nest under the new Samuel De Champlain Bridge, because the construction materials are too smooth for the birds to attach their nests to.

The falcons, on the other hand, are expected to take up residence on the new bridge, where their brand-new nesting boxes are already installed and waiting for them.