Between 2-7.10. 2018 combined stork crews from the Biebrza National Park, the Łomża National Park of the Narew Valley and the PTOP stayed in Portugal and western Spain. The trip took place as part of the task F.4 Creating a network with other projects. We had the opportunity to see how the local, probably the largest population of storks in the world is coping and to meet with representatives of organizations carrying out similar activities to those we are carrying out in our project. In that area, the threat from power lines has long been identified as significantly increasing the mortality of many species of birds, not only the common storks, but also claw-birds present in large numbers on the Iberian Peninsula. The #LigaparaaProtecção and #AssociaçãoTransumãnciaeNatureza associations have impressed us with their protections installed on thousands of high-voltage poles, which protect birds from shock, and many kilometers of power lines with fixed markers, making them much more visible to birds. Since some of these devices were already installed several years ago, our Portuguese colleagues were able to boast a great deal of knowledge about the effectiveness and durability of individual solutions. For inquisitive people who want to know the details of these projects, we provide the numbers: LIFE14 NAT/PT/000855 and LIFE13 NAT/PT/001300. We, in turn, surprised them with the use of radar to assess line collision and the quick and inexpensive installation of markers on lines using a specialist drone.
In addition to the meetings, we visited a Spanish stork village - Caseres, not far from Portugal. It is worth noting that storks are completely indiscriminate when it comes to the choice of nesting place, they commonly occupy: high voltage poles, all types of roofs - including flat roofs, they gratefully accept platforms, regardless of the density and quality of workmanship, or - as in this village - they occupy boulders and rocks!
