2003

Around the world, the availability of electricity has become part of the standard of living. The transport of electricity from the power plants to the users is mainly via above-ground power lines. World-wide, this "wiring" of the landscapes continues to increase and to advance even into the most remote parts of the inhabited continents. Most powerlines constructed so far pose fatal risks for birds and significantly affect the habitats of our large birds (in their breeding, staging and wintering areas). Today, the service life of above- ground powerlines must be assumed to be more than 50 years.

Above-ground powerlines pose three main risks or perils to birds:
• risk of electrocution: Birds sitting on power poles and / or conducting cables are killed if they cause short circuits (short circuit between phases, or short-to-ground). In particular, "bad engineering" practised on medium-voltage power pole constructions has resulted in an enormous risk for numerous medium-sized and large birds, which use power poles as perching, roosting, and even nesting sites. Many species of large birds suffer heavy losses and are strongly decimated by electrocution. Some species are even threatened by extinction.
• risk of collision: In flight, birds can collide into the cables of powerlines, because the cables are difficult to perceive as obstacles. In most cases the impact of collision leads to immediate death or to fatal injuries and mutilations, which can not be survived.
• risks and loss of habitat quality in staging and wintering areas: mainly when above- ground powerlines cut across open landscapes and habitats (wetlands, steppe, etc.).

These topics are dealt within a large number of reports and publications from all continents. In Germany, the Working Group "Birds and Powerlines" of NABU (Naturschutzbund e.V.) has been actively engaged for the last three decades. National and international studies were performed, relevant literature continuously monitored, a large archive of data and photographic records accumulated, and negotiations have taken place, which have led to satisfactory technical standards and legislation on national level.

In various parts of the world, different technical solutions for bird safety are under test and evaluation - so far still with moderate results. Unfortunately, many electric utility companies do not seem to be aware of the progress and of the current state-of-the-art, which has already been achieved for bird safety on powerlines. Sensible changes to the routing of the powerlines and changes to power pole / tower constructions can effectively reduce the risks posed to birds.