Study Says Windfarms Pose Little Threat to Birds

By Olivia O.

10-02-2008

Wind farms are beginning to make an appearance all across the United States and more are being planned, including at several sites in Oklahoma and in at least one location in northwest Arkansas.

While that could be excellent news for renewable energy and maybe even lower utility bills some day, there has been concern that giant blades swirling high in the air could produce a hazard to some species of birds.

But a recent study in Europe has concluded that wind turbines pose a smaller risk to birds than originally thought. At least in open farmland where seed-eating birds reside and forage for food.

The results of the study were published in the British Ecological Society’s Journal of Applied Ecology after scientists observed over 3,000 birds, 23 species, at two windfarms in England.

The data showed the presence of turbine blades did not affect the distribution of birds. Earlier research has shown a negative impact on larger species of birds normally found along coastal and upland regions. This study did not dispel those concerns, but researchers said the results of this study indicate windfarms may need to be located in lowlands and farmlands to lessen the impact on wildlife