April 8, 2008
Finland, Norway

Power lines deadly to migratory birds

Hundreds of swans are killed each year after colliding into power lines in Finland. So far this year, 100 swans have been found dead. Other birds as well fall victim to the lines located along migratory paths.

Transferring electric cables underground would prevent the deaths, although warning devices on power lines have been somewhat useful. According to bird watchers, birds fly into the same lines every year.

Other large structures, like glass buildings, also create obstacles for birds. Furthermore, wind turbines are a threat to larger birds in particular.

Norwegian Study: Thousands of Birds Die in Power Line Collisions

According to a study carried out in Norway, up to 40,000 wood grouse are thought to be killed from power lines annually, said BirdLife Finland spokesman Lauri Hänninen. He added however that the Norwegian study doesn’t apply to the situation in Finland.

Meanwhile, the Norwegian study says sea eagles are the birds most often caught in wind turbines. However Hänninen said the graver problem is that birds fear the sound and movement of the turbines, and don’t want to nest near them.

Small birds are the most frequent bird victims in traffic deaths. Hänninen said slowing down one’s speed, even just a bit, could save birds’ lives.

YLE, Kouvolan Sanomat

www.yle.fi

8 April 2008


URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2008/04/08/power-lines-deadly-to-migratory-birds/