With the installation of nesting boxes for endangered birds, the activities under the joint project of EPP North and the Bulgarian Society for the Protection of Birds continue

The project is implemented within the LIFE program of the European Union

In mid-March, the installation of nesting boxes for bluebell and red-footed kestrels on overhead power lines from the EPP North network began. This started the actual activities of the project “Safe sky for birds in North-East Bulgaria”, implemented by the electricity distribution company in cooperation with the Bulgarian Society for the Protection of Birds (BDZP). Electrical installers of ERP North installed dozens of sockets on overhead power lines in the regions of Veliko Tarnovo, Dobrich, Ruse and Silistra. At the moment, 80 nesting boxes have been installed, with another 70 planned to be installed in the coming weeks. With this, their total number will reach 150.

The installation of nesting boxes for endangered species of birds is done in order to provide safe nesting sites and protect their population. This prevents the construction of natural nests on electrical poles, which are risky for both birds and the normal operation of the electrical network. The newly installed nesting boxes are designed for two endangered bird species in Bulgaria, included in the project list — red-footed kestrels and bluebirds.

The sockets are installed at a distance from the electrical wires themselves, which ensures their safe use. In their installation, employees and specialized equipment (auto blades) of ERP North are engaged, and the field activities are carried out in cooperation with BSPB experts. The installation locations of the cottages were predetermined during the first stage of field surveys of overhead power lines, carried out earlier this year. When selecting locations, a key factor is the characteristic of the surrounding habitats and also the presence of previous observations of the target species at the respective sites.

The project “Safe Sky for Birds in North-East Bulgaria” started at the end of 2022 and lasts 5 years. In the coming months, activities will continue with the isolation of power poles from the EPP North network and the installation of diverters in 28 Natura 2000 project areas and in key corridors between the special protected areas. Priority sections for safekeeping were identified during a special field survey conducted in 2023. The scope of the project includes 16 species of endangered birds in Bulgaria, and the main goal is to prevent their unnatural mortality, as a result of electric shock and collision with overhead power lines.