Transmission lines also kill or injure large numbers of birds (Willard 1978). 

 The magnitude of this problem is difficult to assess because victims usually 

 do not fall directly below the lines or supporting structures and are usually 

 removed by scavengers. However, researchers working along transmission lines 

 agree power lines kill large numbers of birds. A recent symposium was 

 conducted to evaluate the effect of transmission lines on birds (Avery 1978), 

 and an environmental impact statement on the effects of transmission lines on 

 wildlife was recently prepared for an area in northern Maine (Center for 

 Natural Areas 1978). Both are important sources of data on actual and 

 potential impacts and offer valuable management suggestions. Efforts to place 

 lines away from migration routes or areas where birds must pass on a regular 

 basis, such as between breeding and feeding areas, would be valuable. The 

 placement of transmission lines leading from coastal power-generating centers 

 needs to be considered in selecting future power generating sites. 



Hunting mortality . Four species of terrestrial birds are hunted for 

 sport in coastal Maine: ruffed grouse, American woodcock, Wilson's snipe, and 

 ring-necked pheasant (raised and released for hunting). Hunting can account 

 for a substantial portion of the annual mortality of these species, but the 

 harvest levels are regulated so as not to be detrimental to their populations. 

 Most woodcock and snipe harvested are migrants from other areas, but early 

 season hunting takes many local birds. Breeding populations of woodcock 

 appear to be stable (Corr et al. 1977a). Population levels of grouse are 

 variable as is their harvest. 



Other factors . Terrestrial birds are sensitive to disturbance during the 

 breeding season. Disturbances early in the breeding cycle may cause birds to 

 abandon their nests, while disturbances later in the cycle may cause young 

 birds to fledge prematurely or cause increased predation on young birds. 

 Cutting hay before young birds have fledged (i.e., late June and early July) 

 may result in the loss of many field nesting species (bobolink, meadowlark, 

 savannah sparrow, killdeer, and upland sandpiper). Disturbances early in the 

 nesting cycle usually have less effect than disturbances later in the season 

 since renesting may be possible. 



IMPORTANCE TO HUMANITY 



Terrestrial birds contribute to the quality of life along the Maine coast. 

 They are important for hunting, bird watching and other recreational 

 activities, or as indicators of environmental contamination. 



American woodcock, Wilson's snipe, ruffed grouse, and ring-necked pheasant are 

 hunted for sport in the characterization area. Woodcock and grouse hunting in 

 Maine is among the best in the northeast. Nearly 30,000 people hunt woodcock 

 and 12,000 people hunt grouse each year in Maine (Maine Department of Inland 

 Fisheries and Wildlife statistics). Hunting and hunting-related activities 

 contribute to local economies through the purchase of guns, ammunition, food, 

 lodging, hunting dogs, and other supplies. 



Bird watching, bird feeding, and natural history studies are important 

 recreational activities in Maine. An estimated 100,000 households maintain 

 bird feeders and in 1972 almost 6 million pounds (2.7 million kg) of bird seed 

 were purchased in Maine (Cross 1973). Participation on Christmas Bird Counts 

 increased from 100 in 1969 to almost 400 in 1977. In addition, accessories 



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