We determined the risk of raptor electrocution at Beale Air Force Base by assessing the frequency of use and fatalities on high-risk power line pole types (HRP types) suspected of causing raptor electrocutions. From January to April 2000, we recorded raptor use on 9 individual roadside surveys, and recorded raptor fatalities on 3 separate foot surveys. We surveyed a total of 495 HRPs consisting of 28 different HRP types. We observed 58 perching occurrences, and recorded use for only 7 HRP type categories. Raptor use on 4 combined HRP categories was disproportionate to the availability of HRP types. In addition, 86% of raptor use was recorded on 3 of the 7 HRP types suggesting preference for particular HRP types. We found 2 dead raptors of unknown species during the study under the same HRP. Three of the 58 raptor uses recorded occurred on this HRP.
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