It is commonly assumed that birds found dead under power lines have been electrocuted. However, a recent study highlighted in the New York Times suggests otherwise. Wildlife biologist Eve Thomason and her team from Boise State University conducted a comprehensive study, covering 122 miles of power lines across Idaho, Oregon, Utah, and Wyoming. They retrieved 410 bird carcasses, mainly ravens and raptors, found under these power lines and examined them using X-rays. Surprisingly, a significant number of the birds had been shot rather than being electrocuted. Their cause of death was determined for 175 birds, with 66% of them dying from gunshot wounds. According to the US Geological Survey (USGS), around 17% of the total deaths were attributed to electrocution or collisions.study flagged by the New York Times.
Co-author Todd Katzner highlights the significance of this study, stating that this is the first large-scale research conducted at multiple sites to examine bird deaths under power lines caused by shooting. The study reveals that bird shootings are much more widespread than previously believed. The X-rays played a crucial role in identifying the cause of death. For example, one bald eagle found dead in southeast Oregon initially appeared to have been electrocuted. However, further examination through X-rays detected shotgun pellets in its body, suggesting that it was shot instead.USGS.
These findings challenge the traditional approaches to mitigating bird deaths under power lines. Previous efforts have mostly focused on reducing electrocutions or collisions. However, the study suggests that combating illegal shooting, especially since many of the dead birds are protected species like bald and golden eagles, should now be given greater consideration for avian conservation. This research sheds new light on the subject. In other recent bird studies, extraordinary nests have been discovered, providing further insights into bird behavior and habitat choices.
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