Aluminerie Alouette has installed custom nest boxes at its Sept-Îles site in Quebec to protect local bicolored swallows [1].

The initiative aims to reduce the risks posed to the birds by industrial operations. By providing dedicated nesting areas, the company seeks to move the swallows away from heavy machinery and equipment where they previously built nests [1], [2].

Spokesperson Nicolas Bougeard said the project focuses on creating a safe environment for the species [1]. The company installed 16 custom-made nest boxes across the facility to accommodate the birds [3].

Bicolored swallows often seek out man-made structures for nesting, which can lead them to settle in dangerous industrial zones. The new boxes are designed to mimic the crevices and sheltered areas the birds prefer while keeping them clear of operational hazards [1], [2].

This effort is part of a broader attempt by the smelting plant to coexist with local wildlife. The placement of the boxes was determined by observing where the birds naturally attempted to nest within the plant's infrastructure [1].

By redirecting the birds to these specific boxes, the company intends to prevent accidental harm to the swallows and avoid disruptions to the plant's industrial processes [1], [3].

“Aluminerie Alouette has installed custom nest boxes at its Sept-Îles site in Quebec.”

This installation represents a targeted mitigation strategy to reduce human-wildlife conflict in an industrial setting. By providing artificial nesting sites, the company manages the behavior of bicolored swallows to ensure both avian safety and operational continuity, reflecting a trend toward corporate biodiversity integration in heavy industry.