Birds can be electrocuted if they come into contact with two energized parts of a power line at once — which can happen when they spread their wings to take off from or land on a power pole. Because of this, energy companies invest substantial time and money into making sure power lines are avian safe, installing safe perches and insulating energized elements. However, a recent study presents a new priority for conservation, as it suggests that electrocution is no longer the only leading cause of death for birds along power lines. Instead, researchers report that 66% of dead birds that were found along power lines — for which a cause of death could be conclusively determined — died from being illegally shot.
Click here for original story, Illegal shooting kills most birds found dead near power lines
Source: ScienceDaily