Ascendi carried out a complex operation regarding the transfer of 20 white stork nests (Ciconia ciconia) installed on highways A25’ signaling gateways in the vicinity of Angeja, next to the Ria de Aveiro, to a more appropriate place.

The dimensions and weight of these nests – which can get to 1m in diameter and nearly 500kg of weight – associated with an improper location on the highway that stemmed storks flights too close to the vehicle, putting at risk the integrity of birds of this protected species and particularly the safety of drivers, where the reasons why Ascendi decided to transfer the nests to a nearby location, custom-built and with the features needed to easily adapt the animals to their new nesting site, as is being observed.

These iconic nests built by storks in the Ria de Aveiro and, in particular, on the A25 signaling gantries had been increasing in number in recent years because the area has become favorable for breeding of this species, including the existence in the surrounding of varied habitats rich in nutrition.

Removal of 20 nests and transportation to the new location took place in January, at an appropriate time. The complex transfer operation was performed directly by Ascendi, under the supervision of the Institute for Nature Conservation and Forestry (ICNF). The nests were removed using a crane truck and were reinstalled in a structure built for this purpose the few dozen meters from the place earlier, in order to accommodate the birds in a safe place, yet close to the area to them familiar.

Given that this species always returns to the same nesting sites, measures were also taken to prevent the establishment of new nests in signaling gateways located under the road.