Bird Flight Diverters & Avian Collisions

Posted by Bird Flight Diverter on December 1st, 2020

Avian mortality due to powerlines collision has always been referred to as a potential problem. Many avian species are inclined to collisions with power transmission lines specifically because of the height of these towers/infrastructures with respect to flight altitude and due to their poor frontal vision. Comparatively many species are potentially less vulnerable to collisions with power transmission lines. 

It's been observed that avian species prefer to increase altitude when responding towards powerlines. These are well elaborated by the recurrence of collisions with the topmost wire of the Powerline towers.

These topmost wires are known as shield wires, specifically, the highest wire is seen on powerlines. These are mostly smaller in diameter as compared to other conductor wires and hence are very difficult to identify by avian species. Mostly power transmission lines don't have shield wires. Being the smallest and the highest positioning feature increases the probability of avian collisions.

The probability of collision is also affected by the environmental and site attributes of power transmission lines, Such as:-

• Line placement

• Weather Conditions

• Lighting

• Topography

• Exposure to Human Disturbances

Powerlines not only act as a prominent factor for Avian mortality but they can also lead to individual destructions, which can result in delayed and inhumane deaths.

The ratio of avians mortality due to powerlines is considered to be on the lower side for many species,  with the exception of few major players such as- Whooping Cranes, Trumpeter Swans, California Condors and Great Indian Bustards. The said species are specifically impacted due to their limited populations and restricted geographical ranges.

The average global expansion of power lines is expected to increase at a rate of 5% annually. Which clearly indicates the current and upcoming issues related to both collisions and electrocution which further resulting vulnerabilities of avian species.

Factors that can help in reducing Mortality due to collisions and electrocution :-

• Marking lines:- Painting lines, flappers & Bird diverter

• Managing surrounding lands

• Removing shield wires

• Changing the size of wires- Diameter

• Rerouting the line- Blueprint specification

• Undergrounding lines wherever possible

Keeping the above discussion in mind multiple researchers came to a collective conclusion of suggesting and implementing line marking devices worldwide to reduce the %age of mortality. For Example:- Avian Balls, Flappers, Spheres, Bird Diverter, spirals, swinging plates, led bird flight diverter, dynamic bird diverter