Hawaii Testing Lasers As A Bird-Saving Measure

  • 10 years ago
Hawaii has been having a big problem with birds. Many of them, including the numerous endangered ones, have been fatally crashing into utility poles and lines.

Hawaiian birds have been having a rough time of it lately. Many of them, including numerous endangered species, have been crashing into utility poles and lines, often with fatal results.

Several agencies have gotten together and come up with a possible solution – lasers.

Birds don’t like them and tend to avoid getting too close to one.

Thus, it’s been proposed that laser fences be built around the poles in an effort to reduce the number of casualties.

Tests will be conducted in Kaua’i to determine how effective the means would be and which variables produce the best results.

The first stage will be the installation of 30 lasers of different colors.

They and the area around them will be observed to see how the birds react to the various options and if they help the birds detect the presence of wires and poles at night.

Said a manager at Kauaʻi Island Utility Cooperative, “The purpose of this research is to learn more about the birds and their patterns of activity so we can come up with ways to minimize potential hazards and do it in a cost-effective way.”

The use of the lights has already been endorsed by The Humane Society of the United States and deemed nonintrusive to passing aircrafts.

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