25 Years Protecting Birds and Power Grid

For a quarter-century, Shen Yang has traversed 20 kilometers of transmission line routes within the Heihe Wetland, in Zhangye, Gansu province. His daily patrols, once solely for inspecting power grid infrastructure, have evolved to encompass wildlife observation. Shen, a transmission line inspector, now actively records bird sightings, documenting species such as kestrels, doves, magpies, peregrine falcons, and golden eagles along his route.

The Heihe Wetland, situated on a major migratory flyway, hosts over 240 bird species, including nationally protected black storks. This shared landscape has led to transmission towers being viewed not just as infrastructure but as integral parts of the environment. Shen's commitment deepened when he rescued an injured kestrel in November 2020, a gesture that led to him and his colleagues assisting in the rescue and care of 53 young birds.

This integration of wildlife protection into grid maintenance is becoming standard practice. Around 140 artificial nests and thousands of protective devices have been installed in Zhangye to enhance bird safety and reduce risks to the grid. In sensitive nesting areas, artificial relocation and specialized stations are employed to preserve bird habitats. This approach mirrors efforts in other regions, such as the Ziwuling Forest, where power crews coordinate with forestry departments to manage nesting sites and adjust patrol routes to avoid disturbing wildlife during breeding seasons.