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Full-Text Articles in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
Behavior Of Sandhill Cranes Near Power Lines Marked With Yellow Aviation Balls, Anne E. Morkill, Stanley H. Anderson
Behavior Of Sandhill Cranes Near Power Lines Marked With Yellow Aviation Balls, Anne E. Morkill, Stanley H. Anderson
Proceedings of the North American Crane Workshop
The principal known cause of mortality for wild whooping cranes (Grus americana) is collision with powerlines. Methods to minimize powerline collisions will contribute to the species' long term recovery. We studied the flight behavior of sandhill cranes (G. canadensis) near powerlines marked with yellow aviation balls near the Platte River, Nebraska, in 1988-90. An age ratio of 24 juveniles:76 adults of 84 carcasses found under powerlines was significantly different from typical population ratios of 12: 88 for this species. Two-way contingency table analysis of crane flight behavior data indicated that cranes avoided markers (P < 0.(01), reducing the potential for collision. Proximity ofpowerlines to habitats used by cranes (P < 0.001), wind speed (P < 0.05), and age of bird (P < 0.(01) were important factors contributing to crane collisions with powerlines in Nebraska. Details are available in Wildl. Soc. Bull. 19(4):442-449.
Marking Power Lines To Reduce Avian Collision Mortality In The San Luis Valley, Colorado, Wendy M. Brown, Roderick C. Drewien
Marking Power Lines To Reduce Avian Collision Mortality In The San Luis Valley, Colorado, Wendy M. Brown, Roderick C. Drewien
Proceedings of the North American Crane Workshop
We examined the effectiveness of 2 marking devices designed to increase visibility of power lines and reduce avian collision mortality during spring and fall migration periods, 1988-91, in the San Luis Valley, Colorado. Eight O.8-km segments of power line were marked with either yellow spiral vibration dampers or yellow fiberglass swinging plates and compared with 8 adjoining unmarked segments. Primary species groups studied included cranes (Grus canadensis and G. americana), Canada geese (Branta canadensis), and ducks (various Anatinae). Raptors, shorebirds, wading birds, and passerines were also monitored. Both marker types reduced avian collision mortality by …