Officials urge action as dozens of storks electrocuted on Jordan Valley power lines

Israeli birdwatcher finds 30 migrating white storks dead under utility poles in Jordan Valley On August 16, 2026, Yotam Bashan, a senior birdwatcher with the Society for the Protection of Nature in Israel (SPNI), discovered approximately 30 electrocuted white storks near the Tovlan waste site in the Jordan Valley. Bashan encountered the dead birds while driving along Route 90, where he observed the storks lying beneath utility poles. He later stopped his vehicle and examined the scene, counting the remains of around 30 storks or parts of storks. The incident occurred just days after the discovery, highlighting a recurring issue in the region. Bashan described the location as a temporary resting spot for migrating storks, which stop at the Tovlan waste site during their annual journey. The area draws thousands of storks each year, offering them a place to rest before continuing their migration or preparing for the winter. However, the presence of utility poles poses a significant threat to the birds. Bashan noted that the poles, especially those with exposed electrical components, create dangerous conditions for the storks. According to Bashan, the danger arises because the storks' large wingspan and size make them vulnerable to electrocution. When they land on a pole or spread their wings, they may inadvertently complete an electrical circuit by touching two points with different voltages or a conductive element and a grounded part of the pole. This results in fatal electrocution. Bashan emphasized that such incidents are not isolated occurrences, stating that similar deaths happen annually in the area. Dr. Yoav Perlman, director of the SPNI’s Birding Center, confirmed the pattern, describing the Tovlan waste site and adjacent compost areas as "death traps" for white storks and black kites. Over the past decade, the power lines in the region have claimed numerous storks during migration and black kites during the winter months. Perlman pointed out that several of the power lines in the area are operated by the Israel Electric Corporation (IEC). He stressed that the problem is particularly severe with transformer poles, where protective measures are more costly and less feasible. In response to the ongoing concerns, the Israel Nature and Parks Authority (INPA) has taken steps to mitigate the risk. Several utility poles in the vicinity have been protected against electrocution, and others have been buried underground. However, Perlman noted that many poles remain unprotected, and the evidence suggests these are the primary causes of electrocution. He urged the IEC and the Jordan Valley Regional Council to take immediate action to either insulate or bury all power lines around the Tovlan waste site to prevent further casualties. Perlman highlighted the broader significance of the issue, noting that about half a million white storks pass through Israel during each migration season, representing roughly half of the global population. These birds face numerous threats along their route, including hunting in neighboring countries and damage from energy infrastructure. As a signatory to several international conventions for the protection of migratory birds, Israel has a responsibility to address these challenges. The IEC responded to the concerns, indicating that efforts to insulate poles in the Tovlan area have been underway. A spokesperson stated that teams have worked extensively to insulate all poles that can be treated. For poles housing transformers, which cannot be insulated, the corporation is developing a plan to bury them underground. The process involves coordination with relevant authorities and requires multiple approvals. The IEC has invested substantial resources into an insulation project across the country, with over 1,300 poles already insulated this year. The company continues to work toward minimizing harm to wildlife, particularly in sensitive areas like the Jordan Valley.