Birds And Power Lines

Birds and Power Lines

AEP’s is taking proactive steps to prevent bird collision with power lines by implementing several management approaches that take advantage of engineering practices and our knowledge of the biology of the birds and the natural environment to minimize the chances our facilities will harm birds.

The most common reasons birds collide with power lines include:

• Biology - Larger birds are more prone to collisions, particularly due to their flight behaviors. Flocking and nocturnal flying also increase susceptibility to interactions with power lines. Additionally, younger birds, who are still honing their flight skills, are at an even greater risk of collisions compared to adult birds.
• Environment - Surrounding land use may increase the risk for collisions with power lines. For example, many flocking species are attracted to agricultural fields with grain crops for feeding. Weather conditions including fog, wind speed, and precipitation can also limit the ability of birds to see powerlines.
• Engineering - The clearance between energized parts or between energized and grounded hardware on a pole may not be sufficient to prevent bird contact. Additionally, line configuration, structure type and lighting can increase collision risk.

When nests are discovered on electrical equipment, the nest is may be moved to prevent harm to the bird and or to ensure system reliability. To properly deal with birds and nests on electrical equipment, permits are often required from the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS).

For certain species, when a bird collision or electrocution occurs, the utility may need to file a report with the USFWS. AEP trains field personnel on the proper way to report bird injuries, nest interactions, and deaths and to recognize and report instances where preventative action can be taken.

Collaboration for Avian Protection

For more than three decades, the utility industry, conservation groups and wildlife resource agencies have collaborated to study and understand the reasons birds are attracted to utility equipment.

To conserve native North American species of birds and reduce avian contacts, utilities have adopted voluntary company-specific Avian Protection Plans.

In 2013, AEP completed its voluntary plan. AEP also participates in the industry’s Avian Power Line Interaction Committee and is adopting its suggested practices.

AEP’s Avian Protection Plan

AEP has an Avian Protection Plan that directs personnel on managing bird interactions with utility infrastructure.

The AEP Avian Protection Plan includes:

• Aims to mitigate avian-caused impacts on power reliability by identifying methods, products and standards to ensure avian protection.
• Provides employees with necessary training and resources to respond to avian incidents.
• Details how to document avian injuries, mortalities, and nest interactions and identify bird species encountered.

What to do if you find a dead bird

Leave the bird on site and do not touch or remove the carcass. If possible, take pictures of the bird, the nearest pole, and any identification markers on the pole. Record the location as accurately as you can. Report the information to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and/or your state wildlife resource agency, as well as to AEP. Please note that a Federal Permit may be required for authorization to collect and temporarily possess birds protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA), and state permits may also be necessary.