Windpower and Birds

Windpower’s environment-friendly technology makes it an attractive renewable energy resource. However, windpower projects can be hazardous to wildlife. Birds and bats are killed or injured when they collide with windtowers and blades. Windpower project construction also may destroy important wildlife habitat or affect wildlife during breeding, feeding or migration.

The best place for a windpower project is often in an area that is equally attractive to migrating birds. The season and weather conditions affect when and where the migratory path will go. Birds and bats may converge along distinct landforms that are either barriers or aids to migration. Some birds congregate along the shore of large water bodies as they migrate. Some songbirds and soaring birds, like eagles and hawks, migrate along Appalachian Mountain ridge lines. Thermal updrafts along the ridges provide lift, allowing the birds to conserve energy. Inclement weather often forces birds to fly lower than usual, where they can collide with human-made structures. Fighting storms or coping with obstacles causes an increase in energy expenditure, reducing the birds’ lifespan and ability to reproduce.

Contact Diana Weaver, Northeast Region Public Affairs, 413-253-8329.