By Dale Becker
We take electricity in our homes for granted, thanks to power grids and vast electrical energy resources. Local utility companies and cooperatives do an excellent job of distributing electrical power, despite growing demands.
As wildlife enthusiasts know, birds and animals can both benefit from and be adversely impacted by the power lines that crisscross the valleys of western Montana. Many passerine species perch on lines with little or no harm to themselves or to power transmission. Raptors use power poles as hunting perches. These structures also attract nesting birds. While beneficial, these uses can present obvious hazards. Each year, many birds, especially raptors, are killed or injured when electrical currents “arc,” jumping an interruption in the normal electrical path. Young birds with less flight experience seem more vulnerable, and windy conditions can exacerbate the situation.
Nearly sixty years ago, Morlan (Morley) Nelson, of Boise, Idaho, was concerned about Golden Eagle electrocutions in Idaho and elsewhere. He was a soil conservationist by profession, a raptor rehabilitator, and a falconer, as well as one of the foremost experts on the species at the time. He was frustrated and angered by the number of Golden Eagles he encountered that were killed or maimed by electrocution when landing or perching on power poles. He worked closely with Idaho Power Company to set up poles and non-electrified lines on his property, and then flew his trained Golden Eagle to and from the lines to learn how eagles were being electrocuted. His work helped us better understand how utilities could configure lines to protect against electrocution, while still effectively delivering power to customers.
Since then, many utilities have moved to line configurations that reduce electrocution hazards. Still, Golden and Bald Eagles, as well as hawks, falcons, and owls, continue to be electrocuted when perching on power poles.
During my career as the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes (CSKT) Wildlife Program Manager on the Flathead Indian Reservation, I worked closely with Mission Valley Power (MVP) on the Flathead Indian Reservation to reduce and prevent these incidents. In turn, MVP benefited from fewer outages, less equipment damage and service calls, and improved public perception.
Large birds are often attracted to electrical transmission and distribution lines and poles because their designs provide appealing nesting structures. The CSKT Wildlife Management Program (WMP) worked cooperatively with MVP, Montana Power Company, and Northwestern Energy to make power pole and line configurations less attractive nest sites, usually by installing obstacles on specific poles. In some locations, nesting platform structures were installed nearby, and on two occasions, clutches of Osprey eggs were successfully relocated to replacement nests where all the eggs hatched and all nestlings eventually fledged.
Birds, especially large raptors and waterfowl, also collide with electrical lines or structures. While managing the CSKT Trumpeter Swan Reintroduction and Restoration Project, I observed several collisions and retrieved dozens of other dead swans for examination. These collisions were the largest mortality source in the area, usually due to traumatic injury rather than electrocution. As a mitigative measure, the WMP worked cooperatively with MVP’s staff to install flight diverters to make lines more visible to approaching swans in the Ninepipe and Kicking Horse Reservoir areas and adjacent wetlands, greatly reducing mortalities in those areas.
So, what should you do if you observe an electrocuted bird or an avian powerline collision? First, note the location. Many power poles have unique numbers that can be used for identification. Inform the local utility company and Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks. Montana Wild Wings Recovery Center, in Kalispell, is another good resource. Due to legal, health, and safety reasons, it is best to leave the handling of birds to responding professionals.
While there are definite concerns about bird mortalities due to power lines, progress has been made. Opportunities exist to work cooperatively with utilities in further reducing these risks.