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Research & monitoring
Birds & high-voltage power lines
Research and advice into the effects of high-voltage power lines on birds
 One of the most important effects on wildlife from above ground high-voltage power lines concerns the number of birds that collide with the lines. Apart from the number of potential collision victims the planning of new power lines must also take into consideration issues of disturbance on breeding, roosting and foraging birds as well as effects on other wildlife. There are various possibilities to mitigate any negative effects such as the use of visual markers placed along the lines.
The potential effects on wildlife can only be assessed with knowledge of the species present, areas used by and flight movements of, not only birds but also bats in the planned area. Bureau Waardenburg has much in-house knowledge on this subject, including the gathering of field data, and since the beginning of 2007 has carried out intensive investigations into the effects of (both above- and below-ground) high-voltage power lines and has advised on possible mitigation measures.
Research methods for interactions of birds and high-voltage power lines
 Collision risks for birds with high-voltage power lines are highest in twilight and at night. It is because of this reason that there is most interest in the flight paths of local and migrant birds during this period. Bureau Waardenburg has used radars to continuously assess collision risk, even during the night. These radars scan horizontally and vertically to register both the altitudes and flight paths of birds. Analysis of these data is aided by specialist database and statistical programs, while spatial and trend analyses are carried out by Geographic Information Systems (GIS) specialists. An overview of the results of the surveys of Bureau Waardenburg on the relation of the numbers of bird collisions with power lines and the intensity of flight movements in the dark, studied by radar, has been presented on a symposium organized by Bureau Waardenburg on the European Ornithological Congress (in 2009 in Switserland). The presentation can be downloaded here: presentation effects of power lines on birds EOU 2009.
Reducing the effects of collisions on total populations
 Estimates of the potential number of collision victims can be made prior to construction by carrying out research near existing power lines in the surrounding area. Bureau Waardenburg has several years experience on this subject, including undertaking fieldwork into collision victims, and has developed standardised search protocols as well as experiments to correct for the chance of finding a victim and loss to predation. Only by knowing the total number of victims can the effect on the local populations be properly assessed. A risk assessment can also be conducted beforehand in search areas for future power lines based on research on flight movements (by radar and visual observations) and determined relationships of bird collisions and flight movements.
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One of the most important effects on wildlife from above ground high-voltage power lines concerns the number of birds that collide with the lines. Apart from the number of potential collision victims the planning of new power lines must also take into consideration issues of disturbance on breeding, roosting and foraging birds as well as effects on other wildlife. There are various possibilities to mitigate any negative effects such as the use of visual markers placed along the lines.
