Loss of the Bird Diverter Efficiency at a Medium Voltage Overhead Power Line – Example of the Aktobe Region (Republic of Kazakhstan)

This report presents the results of survey of a 46-kilometer section of the overhead line (OHL) powering the cathodic protection of the Bukhara – Ural Gas Pipeline within the Aktobe Region of the Republic of Kazakhstan. 7 kilometers of this section were previously equipped with bird protection devices (BPDs), which are now totally lost due to destruction of their fastening elements. Inspection of the 46-km section of this OHL has revealed deaths of 2 eagles (Aquilasp.), 1 Common Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus), 1 Black Kite (Milvus migrans), and 3 Greater Flamingo (Phoenicopterus roseus). The conclusion was made that the BPDs of this OHL needed renewal. It was also concluded that instead of OHLs laid along the pipeline route it was advisable to consider other options, including stations of cathodic protection fed from modular-packaged electrical power plants with self-contained micro-turbine units, such as used at the Beineu – Bozoy – Shymkent Gas Pipeline.

Wind power development in Eastern Kazakhstan threatens migration of eagles

On the basis of data obtained from ARGOS/GPS and GPS/GSM tracking of 34 eagles (4 Steppe Eagles (Aquila nipalensis) from Central KZ, 1 Steppe Eagle from Southern Ural region, 22 Steppe Eagles, 5 Eastern Imperial Eagles (Aquila heliaca) from the ASR and 2 Greater Spotted Eagles (Aquila clanga) from the from the Altai-Sayan Ecoregion), we have defined the main flyways, terms, and other parameters of migration of eagles through Eastern Kazakhstan. We have outlined the borders of the migration corridor and estimate the number of migrants passing through it. The study highlights the importance of the Karatau ridge for eagles from the vast territories of Russia and Kazakhstan. But we are also concerned about the development of wind farms with horizontal-axis wind turbines that expose ultimate danger for raptors in the Karatau migration corridor. One of them already exists – the Zhanatas Wind-Power Station. Here we calculated the possible negative impact on the eagle population from the existing and projected wind farms of the Karatau ridge and give our recommendations for neutralizing the damage from the development of the electric power industry in Karatau.

Review of deaths and behavior of large birds of prey on power grid facilities in Tatarstan and Udmurtia (Russia), problems of modernization of 6–10 kV overhead power lines

The report analyzes the deaths of large birds of prey on power grid facilities of Tatarstan previously published in the literature since 2012 and additional ones, identified since 2019, including in the neighboring region – Udmurt Republic. Analysis of the data shows that immature Imperial Eagles (Aquila heliaca) up to 3 years old (n=11) died on the 6–10 kV power lines dangerous for birds. The percentage of fledglings that died near breeding territories after leaving their nests was 81.8% (n=9); one bird died in its second year of life and one bird died in its third year. The death of fledglings was identified in 8 breeding areas (in one of them twice), which is 3.9% of all known breeding areas of the Imperial Eagle in Tatarstan by the end of 2021 (n=205) and about 7.2% of 111 breeding areas in 16 administrative districts of southeastern Tatarstan where oil production is taking place. Two out of six fledglings, for which a time interval of death was established, died in the second half of August, and 2 eagles also died in the first and second halves of September. Distances from precisely known nests to locations where the fledglings died ranged from 0.26 to 11.7 km, 2.56 km on average (n=7). In 57.1% of cases deaths occurred at distances less than 1 km (from 260 to 600 m), and in 28.6% of cases at distances from 2 to 3 km. Observations of the behavior of imperial eagles in breeding grounds show a certain selectivity, namely avoidance of the most dangerous power lines. Adaptation of imperial eagles to the electric grid environment continues – 3 new breeding territories on the electric poles of high-voltage power lines were found. Two cases of death of immature White-Tailed Eagles (Haliaeetus albicilla) were identified on 6–10 kV power lines dangerous for birds deep in the forestland on narrow forest cleared strips in Tatarstan and Udmurtia, as well as the Steppe Eagle (Aquila nipalensis) in Udmurtia. Illegal exploitation and even construction of new 6–10 kV power lines dangerous for birds continues. Despite the measures taken to protect birds from death in the electric grid environment, the rate and quality of these measures are such that in the near future power lines will have a negative impact on eagles in the native area as they do now.

Results of researches of some rare species of raptors in the Nechkinsky National Park, Russia

This report presents the selected results of rare birds of prey studies in the Nechkinsky National Park (Udmurt Republic, Russia) 20 years after the first studies undertaken here by I.V. Karyakin in 1991–1996. The main efforts were directed to the study of the White-Tailed Eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla). At the same time, the identification of other rare species was made. The studies were carried out during short visits to the territory in 2016, 2017, 2019 and 2021. In the national park (NP), within the previously known breeding areas, 3 new nests were identified. They were 0.9–1.6 km displaced from the locations of the old nests found 20 years ago. A new breeding territory was found in the adjacent area near the border of the NP. Despite the incomplete study of the area, it is assumed to be 8-9 breeding areas in the national park, and 2–3 areas directly along its borders. The number of breeding pairs of eagles in comparison with the first half of the 1990s, according to the author, remains stable, and population increase, as happened on the Lower Kama in Tatarstan, has not been observed here. Eagles nest on large, old-growth pines and larch trees, with a distance of 130–530 m deep into the forest from the outer edge. The distance to the Kama River is 0.68 km on average (0.13–1.3 km, n=4). The minimum distance between the nearest neighbors in the Kama valley, unregulated by the reservoir, is currently 3.6 km, the average (n=3) – 3.9 km. Eagles breed occasionally on and off. No reproduction was recorded for 2–3 years. The period of egg laying extends for a month from the beginning of March to the beginning of April. The death of young birds on 6-10 kV power lines was revealed, as a result, the owners were obliged to equip the power lines with bird protection devices. White-Tailed Eagle nestlings were ringed with colored rings. Two repeated observations were obtained from the lower reaches of Kama. The Greater Spotted Eagle (Aquila clanga) continues to inhabit the National Park, which is confirmed by the meetings of adult birds. There has been two-three times population of the Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus) in comparison with the first half of the 1990s. Breeding of this falcon was found on 2 territories with a distance of 16.5 km between them.

Electrocutions of Bids on Power Lines in the Altai Kray (Russia) in 2021

In September 2021, 126 km of 6-10 kV power lines were surveyed in Altai Kray, Russia. The survey encompassed different types of habitat from pine forests to the foothills of Altai mountains. Out of 126 km, 27.94 km of power lines were equipped with bird-protection devices to prevent bird death from electrocution. We uncovered 515 cases of bird death on unsafe lines. Raptors make 21% and endangered species – 1.94%. The density of dead birds was equal to 5.6 ind./km of non-safe power lines, and of raptors – 1.18 ind./km. The observed damage to the ecosystem was estimated as 6.1 million of Rub (equal to $83 350 or € 73 600), and the damage calculated per one electric pole was 3 925 Rub. The estimation of the death rate of birds on the observed length of power lines through the whole migration and breeding seasons makes 8.63 ind./km. Approximation to the presumptive total length of bird unsafe power lines in the Altai Kray makes 50 700 birds possibly die every year in the region from April till October. The highest level of bird mortality was observed on power lines stretching through open undisturbed habitats (i.e. steppe biotope). We also noted 2.9 times higher mortality on push brace poles compared with intermediate ones for all species, and 4.9 times higher for raptors only.

Steppe Eagle in the Republic of Kalmykia (Russia): Results of the 2021 Survey

The article presents the results of the Steppe Eagle (Aquila nipalensis) study in the Republic of Kalmykia. 135 breeding territories of eagles were examined and 155 birds were observed during summer registrations and counts. The average distribution density of the occupied breeding territories in 2021 in the main part of the area was 2.15 (1.54–2.99)/100 km², in the zone of the large number of food resources – 5.72 (4.45–7.35)/100 km². The percentage of occupied breeding territories was 71%, and 43% of the occupied territories were successful. The number of nestlings in broods ranged from 1 to 3, averaging 1.81±0.69 per successful nest (n=43) and 0.73±0.95 per occupied nest (n=105). The percentage of nests with dead clutches and nestlings was high at all surveyed plots. The main diet of eagles during the breeding period included the Little Ground Squirrel (Spermophilus pygmaeus) (44%) and several additional prey items. A preliminary assessment of habitat suitability for the Steppe Eagle in terms of food conditions was carried out using GIS methods. Based on the registration data and clarification of the breeding range borders (47086.7 km²), the number of the Steppe Eagle in Kalmykia was re-estimated at 789 (587–1059) pairs. The signs indicating a negative trend in the population intensified: the percentage of immature birds in breeding pairs was 27%, the percentage of abandoned breeding territories was 19%. There is a consolidation of breeding groups in the population nucleus with a simultaneous decrease in breeding density at the periphery. Among the negative anthropogenic factors in 2021 there were the following: mass mortality on power lines, destruction of the food potential by the locals, disturbance during breeding, probable taking away of nestlings from nests.

Distribution and number of the Eagle Owl in the Republic of Kalmykia, Russia

In this paper we make an estimation of the number of the Eagle Owl (Bubo bubo) in the Republic of Kalmykia by means of using the suitable habitat model in QGIS using data acquired by the Earth remote sensing. The research was carried out in May – July 2020. The distribution of breeding pairs, reproductive success, and diet were studied. 36 eagle-owl’s home ranges are identified, 26 of them were occupied in 2020, and nests were found in 22 breeding territories. The density of breeding territory is 1.29 pairs per 100 km² or 17.5 pairs per 100 km of the linear biotopes on average. The brood size varied from 3 to 5 nestlings, average 3.36±0,67 nestlings per occupied nest and 2.9±1,22 nestlings per successful nest. The current number of the Kalmyk eagle owl population is estimated in a range of 242-293, 266 pairs on average, including 165 pairs (151–181) on the Ergeny hills and 23 pairs (21–25) in the Kuma Manych depression. The breeding grouping of Chernye Zemli is estimated at 70–87 pairs, 78 pairs on average. A decrease in the population level caused by the habitat loss started from the second half of the 20th century is estimated at 52 %.

Rearing of Juvenile Long-Legged Buzzards by Steppe Eagle in Western Kazakhstan

On 15 of June, we examined a living nest of Steppe Eagle (Aquila nipalensis) 6 km southeast from village Altykarasu of the Aktobe region of Kazakhstan. Below the nest, there were two fully-fledged juvenile Long-Legged Buzzards (Buteo rufinus). This observation could be attributed to non-lethal catch of Long-Legged Buzzard nestlings by Steppe Eagle with subsequent rearing.

Northern Hawk Owl invasions in the forest-steppe of Western Siberia

The article presents data on the invasions of the hawk owl (Surnia ulula) into the forest-steppe of Western Siberia on the territory of the Novosibirsk and Kemerovo regions, Altai Krai and Krasnoyarsk Krai territories.

Eastern Imperial Eagle in Agricultural Lands in Kharkiv Region of Ukraine: the Results of Seventeen Years of Monitoring

A study on the population of Eastern Imperial Eagle (EIE) (Aquila heliaca) in the Kharkiv region of Ukraine was begun in 2003. About 40% of the region was surveyed during this study. In 2018-2020 an EIE counting was done on our study plots covering suitable nesting habitats of the species and 78 individuals of EIE were recorded. Comparing with 2005–2012 count when 81 EIEs were recorded and the population size was estimated as 50 breeding pairs it is possible to conclude that the population nowadays is stable. However, in some local breeding groups, the number is tending to decline. For instance, in the pine forests in the valley of the Siversky Donets river, the decline is caused by habitat destruction and human disturbance during the breeding period due to woodcutting. To prevent the future decreasing, since 2016 a new legislation prohibits logging activity in woodlands of Ukraine from the 1st of April till 15th of June. On the contrary, in the agricultural area in the south and southeast of the Kharkiv region, population growth was observed. In 2018–2020 we found 29 inhabited nests of Eastern Imperial Eagles located in agricultural open lands (16 nests), in vast oak forest (1 nest), and in pine forests of the Siversky Donets river valley (12 nests). In 2019, a significant difference was found in the breeding success of pairs inhabited agricultural lands (100% successful cases) that in pine forests (40%).