ABSTRACT 7th International Symposium on Environmental Concerns in Rights-of-Way Management
TITLE:	Relationships Between Wing Morphology and Behavioral Responses to Unmarked Power Transmission Lines
AUTHOR(S):	Michael R. Crowder - gdbarker@gte.net Purdue University Department of Forestry and Natural Resources West Lafayette, IN, USA Olin E. Rhodes, Jr. Purdue University Department of Forestry and Natural Resources West Lafayette, IN, USA
Ground wires associated with high voltage power transmission lines have been identified as a source of mortality for numerous avian species. This research was conducted at the Cinergy-PSI Gibson County Power Generating Station in Gibson County, IN, USA. This site is characterized by a high density of power transmission lines with a 1214-ha cooling lake and numerous small wetlands in close proximity. Large numbers of waterfowl and other wetland-associated avian species utilize this area in the fall and winter. Bird flight observations were conducted along with corresponding ground searches to determine the species specific reactions of birds to the power lines. The birds most likely to react to power lines were those that approached the lines at a height between the conductor and ground wires. No relationship between flock size and the proportion of birds reacting to the lines was found; however, a significant difference was found in the reaction distances between flocks >10 birds and single birds. Species were grouped into four categories according to wing morphology, and it was determined that species at the greatest risk for collisions were those that showed high wing loading and low wing aspect ratio. Keywords: Birds, collisions, ground wires, observations, power lines Ref#: 6-13