after the second death of a large bird in less than a year.

The outburst came after a bird -- thought to be a blue heron -- was found dead near the bridge last week.

And locals claimed Bermuda Electric Light Company power lines running across the bridge were the culprits.

One local man said: "It may be more expensive to run lines underwater -- but it happens in other places.

"It should be a priority for Belco, not just for the sake of the birds, which is a concern, but because the power lines detract from the look of Somerset Bridge.

"It's a big tourist attraction being the smallest drawbridge in the world and you see a lot of people photographing it or painting it.

"It's a shame it's not only disfigured, but actually dangerous to bird life.'' And the man -- who asked not to be named -- was speaking after the bird died apparently following a collision with the power lines sometime between Monday night and Tuesday morning.

He added: "Whether it was by electrocution or the impact of hitting the lines, I don't know.

"There are a number of them in that area and they normally fly very close to the water -- but they have to rise to get over the bridge and that's when accidents happen.'' The local man said he accepted that the lines could not be run on the outside of the bridge or along the underside because the tiny drawbridge would be blocked.

But he said: "The least that could be done would be running the lines along the bottom of the channel.'' A spokeswoman for Belco confirmed the lines were owned by the company -- but added that it was the first the firm had heard of the problem.

"If a bird had flown into the lines there would be a short and we have no indication of that,'' she said. "Our only response could be if the man would get in touch with us and explain exactly what the problem is, we will take a look at it.'' But bird expert and wildlife artist Eric Amos said he understood Government conservation experts had already discussed the risk of power lines near nesting sites for larger birds.

He said: "Power lines anywhere are a danger, they most certainly are. They are a problem especially where a pond or something lies close to a road, which is the case at Somerset Bridge.

"Blue herons are big, heavy birds and they can't avoid lines. I don't think they are electrocuted -- they crash into them and then fall to the ground.'' And he agreed running lines underground or underwater near sensitive wildlife spots would help save Bermuda's wildlife.

"It would be a help in these critical spots -- which can be identified by people who know about birds.'' FLIGHT HAZARD -- Canadian visitors Jason and Carol Ramsey examine the body of a blue heron thought to have been killed after hitting power lines over Somerset Bridge.

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