Overhead power lines pose a severe threat to birds, especially large species, often leading to fatal collisions. To reduce this risk, conservation efforts, such as installing diverters, have proven effective; for instance, the team of the Romanian Ornithological Society recently added diverters to high-risk lines to protect bird populations.

In late 2023, experts from the Bulgarian Society for the Protection of Birds and Elektrorazpredelenie Yug EAD made history by installing reflective markers for birds, known as diverters, along a 20 kV overhead power line. This groundbreaking initiative, the first of its kind in Bulgaria, utilized drone technology for the installation.

Last week a Dalmatian pelican was found dead due to a collision with the power lines in the area of Tourlida, in the Messolonghi Lagoon. 50% of the power transmission lines within the National Parks of Messolonghi Lagoon and Amvrakikos Gulf Wetlands are dangerous for Dalmatian pelicans and other bird species that breed in these areas, according to a study carried out by the Hellenic Ornithological Society (HOS) as part of the Pelican Way of LIFE initiative.