Birds´ collisions with power lines often happen because the birds are unable to detect the lines in their flying direction in time. Bird casualties due to collision with aboveground power lines can happen on distribution or transmission electricity grids. Frequently they can be observed especially in open areas where the power line crosses feeding, foraging, and nesting habitats used by birds. At greatest risk are the large, heavy bird species with low maneuverability, i.e. those with high wing loading and low aspect, such as bustards, pelicans, waterfowl, cranes, storks, and grouse.

The risk of collisions is higher at night, during dusk and dawn, and under weather conditions that cause poor visibility (fog, rain, strong wind,..). Such clashes at high speed have fatal consequences for birds.

A coordinated field survey of the potentially dangerous above-grounded power lines at the beginning of the project is essential in order to determine the most dangerous sections on which the flight diverters will be installed. 

Achieved results:

Within the first months of the project, more than 80 field assistants in all project countries were trained on how to conduct recognition and baseline field surveys. A recognition survey was held from January to April 2021 with the main aim of recognizing the most dangerous sections of power lines within the monitored project area. More than 1380 km of different voltages and construction power lines were searched during the recognition survey in all project countries. Based on the results, the surveyed power lines were divided into 3 categories: potentially dangerous, to be verified, and not dangerous. The International GIS online database has been designed in January 2022, containing all data from field surveys (read more HERE). The monitoring scheme was updated with the results to ensure the proper implementation of the baseline survey, under which the first two categories of power lines were being monitored regularly until April 2022. Read more about the baseline survey: HERE or HERE. As a result, 34 mitigation plans - a conflict map of the riskiest power lines in priority areas were prepared, specifying the selected power lines for the installation of the bird flight diverters. The mitigation measures are being implemented by electric companies on around 263 km of top-priority power lines to increase their visibility for birds. The flight diverters have been installed in these countries:

In Slovakia, the operator of the electricity transmission system - project partner Slovenská elektrizačná prenosová sústava, a. s. (SEPS) installed flight diverters on 70 km of 400 kV transmission power lines. On 30 km of lines, the latest types of RIBE flight diverters (black and white lamellas) with glow-in-the-dark illumination have been installed on the shield wires. A special crane with a basket was used for the installation; all works were carried out on switched-off lines (read more HERE). On the next sections of power lines, special drone installing FireFly diverters on the shield wire, with ability to install 2 diverters with one flight which makes the installation process even more effective (read more HERE). Another project partner, energy distribution company for Western Slovakia Západosloveská distribučná, a. s. installed flight diverters on 3 km of power lines. The installation of flight diverters in Slovaia was carried out in cooperation with the coordinating project beneficiary Raptor Protection of Slovakia.

In Hungary, 35 km of 220 kV and 400 kV transmission lines were equipped with the flight diverters thanks to our project partner MAVIR, operator of the electricity transmission system in Hungary. Four different types of diverters were used during the installations that were carried out with the help of the basket crane and drone (read more HERE).

In Croatia, more than 75 km of power lines are now more visible for birds. Distribution power lines (15 km of 35 kV lines and 40 km of 10 kV lines) have been marked with the flight diverters by the energy distribution company - project partner HEP (read more HERE). The energy transmission company HOPS equipped more than 20 km of 110 kV power lines with diverters with the help of drone technology (learn more HERE). The installation of flight diverters in Croatia was carried out in cooperation with the project beneficiary Public Institution Nature Park Kopački rit.

Energy distribution company in Serbia EPS Distribucija installed flight diverters on 30 km of the most risky sections of power lines. The installation of flight diverters in Serbia was carried out in cooperation with the project beneficiary Bird Protection and Study Society of Serbia (BPSSS) – BirdLife Serbia.

In Bulgaria, more than 15 km of distribution power lines have been marked by the energy distrubution company - project partner EDG West. The installation of flight diverters in Bulgaria was carried out in cooperation with the project beneficiary Bulgarian Society for the Protection of Birds (BSPB)/BirdLife Bulgaria.

In Romania, 35 km of power lines are now more visible for birds thanks to the flight diverters installed by the energy distribution company Rețele Electrice România S.A. The installation of flight diverters in Romania was carried out in cooperation with the project beneficiary Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve Authority (DDBRA) and Danube Delta National Institute for Research and Development.

In Austria, the Austrian Federal Railway company OEBB insulated the railway electric poles as a project action (described below). On top of that, after 12 males of Great Bustard (Otis tarda) were detected killed after the collision with a catenary system of the railway line, OEBB marked the lines with diverters immediately from its own sources concerning the extreme severity of the case to minimize the risk of the collisions in the future. 

The birds are in danger of electrocution mostly while they land on the utility poles and simultaneously come into the contact with a wire or when they touch the two conductors (wires) at once. The highest risk is associated primarily with medium voltage power lines representing very attractive perches to many birds in open rural areas without tree growth. The group most threatened with electrocution is defined as the diurnal bird species, specifically eagles, hawks, vultures, kites, falcons, owls, storks and corvids. The highest mortality rate due to electrocution is registered mainly for medium-sized and large birds as they are more likely to make simultaneous contacts with unprotected elements of the pole construction.

Achieved results:

The construction of 3988 poles was insulated during the project period. Satellite transmitters were installed on juveniles of Saker Falcon (Falco cherrug), Eastern Imperial Eagle (Aquila heliaca) and Dalmatian Pelican (Pelecanus crispus) to identify dangerous poles located in their home range and priority habitats.

The identification of the riskiest utility poles was conducted during the recognition survey, under which 12 535 poles in the project area were inspected. Electrocution was proven a very important mortality factor for birds of prey. Metal branch pylons and corner pylons with exposed jumper wires passing over the supporting insulators above the cross arms seem to be the most dangerous configuration. Data were evaluated continuously, and special attention and the best technical solution mitigated to all dangerous poles. After collecting all needed data and evaluating the results, mitigation measures have been planned and implemented:

In 2022, the insulation works started and 22 kV poles were insulated in Slovakia by the energy distribution company for Western Slovakia (Západoslovenská distribučná, a.s.) with the cooperation of the coordinating beneficiary Raptor Protection of Slovakia. In 2023, works continued and in total 853 dangerous poles have been insulated (watch video HERE).

In Croatia, HEP partner insulated 546 poles that are now safer for birds.

In Serbia, EPS Distribucija insulated 400 poles.

In Bulgaria, 1221 dangerous poles were insulated by the project partner EDG West.

In Austria, BirdLife Austria has been conducting the dog-assisted recognition survey on railway lines within the project areas (read more HERE), which has been increased by 2 SPA and the number of poles to be insulated has been increased from 640 to 868 poles in all 3 SPAs. Poles have been secured by the Austrian Federal Railway company OEBB.

Romanian partner Rețele Electrice România S.A. insulated 100 poles.

Using satellite telemetry for the identification of the dangerous poles and other threats that young birds face allowed us to gain valuable and important data. Satellite transmitters were installed on 6 Saker Falcons in Slovakia in June 2021 (read more HERE), and in 2022, 6 Imperial Eagles were tagged (read more HERE). In 2023, 6 more Saker Falcons have been tagged in Slovakia (read more and watch short video HERE), 2 in Serbia (read more HERE), and 6 Dalmatian Pelicans in Romania (watch video HERE)

Photo traps, video cameras, and nocturnal vision systems will be used to increase the detection efficiency and identify the scavenging rate. By this, the detection efficiency will be improved as well as the magnitude of bird mortality. Technical project guidelines (international monitoring scheme) to implement project actions was prepared and adopted by all project partners during the project. Cadavers will be tested in Slovakia, Serbia, Romania, and Croatia for the presence of lead, a metal detector will be used to detect bullets. By this, we will be able to detect the influence of selected illegal activities on the behaviour of birds and mortality rates on power lines.

Achieved results:

An international monitoring scheme has been designed and distributed to all project partners and field assistants prior to the recognition survey at the beginning of the project. The scheme defines especially the main rules and recommendations for field survey and data transcription. The recognition survey defined the initial situation from which the project starts concerning the following data that will be collected: especially technical parameters of the power lines and data of bird carcasses.

The buffer for the surveys (recognition and baseline) was defined as a distance of 20 m from the edge phase-conductor in the case of medium voltage lines (10 kV, 22 kV, and 35 kV) and 50 m from the edge phases in the case of high and extra-high voltage lines (110 kV, 220 kV, and 400 kV). Walking in a zigzag pattern was carried out only in high and dense vegetation or crops. The slow, regular pace used during the survey optimized the results and decreased the searcher bias. The location of each bird carcasses or remains found was recorded by GPS device and described with seven parameters [identification by species or in the most precise taxonomic category possible, sex and age (if possible), cause of death (electrocution, collision, other or unknown cause of death), description of visible injury, stage of decomposition and effect of scavengers].

For each electricity pole and pylon, special technical data were collected together with other abiotic and biotic factors about the surrounding landscape structure and habitat important for birds. The information recorded for every single pole included: GPS coordinates, type (position in the line), number of circuits per line, the material of pole, number of vertical separation of wires, number of cross-arms, type of cross-arm, number of insulators per conductor, the position of insulators, presence, and type of insulators and their current quality state, presence and position on jumper wire.

All poles/ pylons were photographed for verification of the data collected in the field. All detected bird carcasses were removed from the area during the recognition survey to prevent double counts in the baseline survey.

Video cameras, binoculars, and nocturnal vision are being used within the observations of bird reactions on non-marked power lines. Observation of reactions is a part of the baseline survey, including also mortality survey under selected sections.

In areas within the project territory with low or no risk of collisions/electrocution, actions to create safe breeding opportunities and foraging habitats are being carried out in Serbia, Romania, Bulgaria, and Slovakia. Such measures will be focused on the most endangered among the target species, to attract birds into safe zones and thus decrease the overall mortality of individuals/increase the population. By this, the overall goal of the project will be supported. 

The restoration of approximately 10 ha of land in Slovakia from arable land to grassland will increase the overall value of the land and its suitability, preferably for the Imperial Eagle, the Saker Falcon, and the Red-footed Falcon, whilst many other bird species will also benefit from the land restoration.

Achieved results:

In total, 370 new nest boxes have been installed. In Slovakia, 20 alternative nesting opportunities – nest boxes were installed for the Saker Falcon on 110 kV pylons (read more and watch a short video HERE). 50 wooden nest boxes for the Red-footed Falcon were installed in Bulgaria (read more HERE), and 300 nest boxes were installed for European Roller in Slovakia (50 pcs), Bulgaria (50 pcs), Serbia (100 pcs), and Romania (100 pcs). Read HERE about the monitoring of the nest boxes and successful breeding season in Bulgaria and HERE about the survey conducted on the food spectrum of the European Roller.   

Site management of the 10 ha in Slovakia is in place: a special scheme for specific restoration and management of the land was prepared by the landscape manager. Regular examinations of the area continues, and the alfalfa seeds are on site, including visual control. The expert monitoring of small mammals’ and insects activity were conducted on the land for further evaluation of the management activities, as well as monitoring of the presence of bird target species. Watch a short video from the site HERE. 

Land leveling by a tractor with mowing of weeds and preparation of the field for seeding was done in the spring of 2021, with seeding of grass/red clover mixture seeds in March 2021, and the first mulching of new growth in July 2021. The project site with dense vegetation growth represents important refugium for small mammal populations as the surrounding fields were harvested and plowed. Expert monitoring of the small mammal population was done on-site, e.g. presence of the steppe mouse with typical mounds was confirmed on site.

In 2022, one mowing round was done and the biomass collected after the mowing was distributed to the local farmers for the livestock. In October 2022, 15 artificial wooden hunting stands in the "T" shape were mounted with the help of volunteers. Stands will substitute the role of electric poles in terms of the usage of the raptors when hunting prey (read more HERE). 

Supporting agrotechnical interventions (aeration of land, followed by rolling) continued to support the quality of the vegetation. Thanks to the previous agrotechnical interventions implemented since 2021, despite the poorer rainfall, the vegetation was of good quality. In 2023, the first mowing was carried out at the beginning of June, and the second in the middle of July. Hay was of higher quality in 2023, and used as feed for local livestock.

The project site with dense vegetation growth represents an important refuge for small mammals as the surrounding fields were harvested and plowed very intensively.

Under Action D.1 the presence of target species was recorded as well as availability of prey sources by monitoring of small mammals and invertebrates. 

One of the aims of our project is to inform the target groups as well as the general public about project actions and activities. Public awareness activities aimed at publicizing the project as well as the importance of the Natura 2000 network are being held regularly both for the general public and stakeholders. Networking and the transfer of the methods/techniques/solutions applied in the project to other regions, countries, organizations, and experts is applied regularly.

Achieved results: 

In November 2020, the coordinated project kick-off press release was released in all project countries. By October 2025, 47 press releases were published, and 10 press conferences or events for media have been held. In all project countries, 835 different media clippings have been tracked so far. 26 notice boards describing the project and its main actions have been installed within the project areas, you can find the map of the locations: HERE. In 2022, the LIFE Programme celebrated its 30th birthday which was marked by various project events (e.g. HERE).

Tens of short project videos have been published, you can find them on our YouTube channel: HERE. Explore activites in all countries in playlist section!

The short project documentary BIRDS AND POWER LINES ALONG THE DANUBE RIVER was created with the support of the all project partners, illustrating the project journey in each project country, with the project activities described by the members of the project teams. Find and watch the document HERE. We are pleased that the document has been chosen to be promoted at the festival HoryZonty in Trenčín, Slovakia, on 7th of November.

The fascinating project Danube areas can be viewed in 360 degree photos and videos through 3D virtual trail created under the project. Dive into the magic visuals and learn more about our project in the interactive way with us HERE.

The dissemination towards stakeholders and project presentation at several networking events is being done regularly (e.g. HERE) through active participation and organization of conferences, workshops, and meetings. The conference FREE SKY FOR BIRDS 2026 was organized with participation of more than 135 experts from 26 countries worldwide on March 10-12 2026. Find more information and outputs HERE.

3 new nest boxes for the Saker Falcon have been installed on 35 kV power lines pylons in Croatia with the cooperation of the Kopački rit Nature Park and energy distribution company HEP. One of the nest boxes was occupied by a pair of Common Kestrels on the first day after the installation. The pair managed to raise 4 chicks. The nest boxes are recorded with the cameras, read more HERE.