• Dozens of storks suffered severe injuries from collisions with power lines in the Golan Heights during their spring migration.
• The incidents are attributed to new power lines and wind farms in the area, posing a significant threat to migrating birds.
• Conservationists advocate for burying power lines and implementing mitigation measures to prevent future incidents and protect bird populations.

During April, numerous white storks were severely injured in northern Israel, specifically in the Golan Heights, due to collisions with overhead power lines. KKL-JNF reported that the incidents occurred predominantly in areas with new power lines and wind farms. Many injured storks were found with severe fractures and were evacuated to the Wildlife Acclimation Center, where some had to be euthanized. This event highlights the danger posed by power lines to migrating bird populations.

• What: Dozens of white storks were severely injured or killed due to collisions with overhead power lines during their spring migration.
• Who: KKL-JNF, Society for the Protection of Nature in Israel, Rona Valency (veterinarian at the Hula Valley Wildlife Acclimatization Center), Yaron Charka (KKL-JNF’s chief ornithologist), Dan Alon (CEO of the Society for the Protection of Nature in Israel).
• When: The incidents occurred during April, specifically during the spring migration season. The article was published May 8, 2025.
• Where: The incidents primarily occurred in the Golan Heights region of northern Israel, especially in areas with new power lines and wind farms.

The news highlights a preventable environmental problem. The expansion of Israel's power grid, particularly in sensitive areas like the Golan Heights, poses a significant threat to migrating bird populations. The article emphasizes the need for proactive measures, such as burying power lines and carefully planning new energy production sites, to mitigate the risk of bird collisions. The slow implementation of existing solutions, like insulating poles, underscores the urgency of addressing this issue more comprehensively.

There is an urgent need to explore ways to minimize these injuries, including marking power lines and proactively preparing known migration routes.

The injury of birds due to collisions with power lines is not an inevitable fate. It is possible to reduce the phenomenon and even prevent it by placing the lines underground or installing measures to reduce bird collisions.

The injury and death of dozens of storks in the Golan Heights due to power line collisions highlight the need for improved infrastructure planning and conservation efforts. While solutions exist, their slow implementation and the ongoing expansion of the power grid necessitate a more proactive and comprehensive approach. Protecting bird populations requires careful consideration of environmental impacts and a commitment to implementing preventative measures.