Thanks to the tracking transmitter attached to him, Luke’s whereabouts were identified, giving him a second chance at life.

Luke, a pelican being monitored with a transmitter since 2023, had traveled towards the Amynteo lakes in search of food, a common practice for pelicans during this time of year. The warmer waters in these lakes attract fish to the surface, making it easier for the birds to catch their prey.

On his way back to Prespes, Luke made it to the Alona area in the Florina region. However, due to the foggy conditions that day, it is believed that he lost his way and turned back towards the Amynteo lakes. Tragically, during this detour, he collided with power lines between high-voltage towers, underscoring once again the dangers birds face under low-visibility conditions. They are often forced to fly at lower altitudes, which increases the risk of colliding with obstacles like power lines and wind turbines.

Fortunately, Luke was found by members of the Society for the Protection of Prespa (SPP), who had been tracking him. Despite his severe injuries, he was transported to the Wildlife Action Center in Thessaloniki, where he is receiving medical care. The SPP credits the transmitter, which showed a steady signal in one location, with helping them locate Luke and give him a chance for recovery.

Since 2012, the SPP has been using telemetry programs to monitor silver pelicans, having placed around 80 transmitters on the birds. Currently, 40 of these transmitters are still active, providing vital data about the birds’ movements and the threats they face. This incident marks the fifth recorded case of a pelican with a transmitter colliding with power lines, with three fatalities (Yanitsa, Pervali, and Büyük Menderes, Turkey) and two serious injuries (Heimaditi and recently, in Kledi Amynteo).

This incident highlights the pressing need for stronger conservation efforts and protection measures to safeguard these magnificent creatures from the hazards posed by our human-made environments. It serves as a reminder that while these birds face many challenges in the wild, they are also vulnerable to the perils we introduce, such as power lines, and more action is needed to prevent these tragic events.