Reduce raptor mortality by retrofitting power lines

The author describes how it is difficult to effectively retrofit utility poles unless standardized methods are developed to understand factors leading to avian electrocutions. Critical metrics are problem structure types, bird species involved and the identification of high raptor usage areas. These data can be determined with ground surveys or through detailed outage records. An emphasis should be placed on specifying retrofitting products that can be safely installed “hot” to minimize labor costs. Care should be used in specifying mitigating products, since some measures can result in new unexpected problems. For example, perch guards may simply shift a problem onto other line segments. Maintenance problems include items coming loose and difficulty working around products, such as bird spikes and pole wraps