Andrew Chick Ecology

Birds of prey, such as buzzards as well as eagle, kites and owls, are particularly vulnerable to dangers posed by electrical cables.

These threats include:

1. Electrocution: When birds perch on power lines or equipment, they can complete a circuit and be electrocuted. This is especially dangerous for larger species with wide wingspans.
2. Collision: Birds of prey often fly at high speeds while hunting. They may not see electrical cables in time to avoid them, leading to fatal collisions.
3. Habitat Loss: Power lines can disrupt natural habitats, reducing the availability of hunting grounds and nesting sites.
4. Secondary Poisoning: Birds that feed on rodents, which may have been poisoned, can suffer from secondary poisoning, exacerbated by habitat fragmentation caused by power infrastructure.

Efforts to mitigate these dangers include installing bird-safe power lines.