The Israel Electric Corporation is building special roosts for large birds atop its power pylons and poles in the Golan Heights area — at the request of ecologists and bird lovers and also to protect its own equipment.
Thirteen birds — described variously as vultures or eagles — were electrocuted recently when they rested on high tension lines after bathing in nearby pools. During the past three years some 40 vultures have been electrocuted, local residents say.
Last year a number of storks, which cross Israel in large numbers on their annual migration between Europe and Africa, were electrocuted and caused power failures when their wide wing-span caused short circuits.
At the request of the Nature Reserves Authority the Electric Corporation has agreed to build wooden platforms on top of the power pylons, as roosting spots for the vultures which are known to perch on the highest structure available.
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