Birds and Windmills

Renewable energy such as solar and wind power has been heralded by many environmentalists as a step towards a more sustainable economy. However, other environmentalists argue that wind farms can also pose threats to migrating birds and other wildlife. The effects of windmills on birds is a widely-studied and hotly-debated topic that will surely grow in extent as renewable energy projects continue to be implemented across the globe.

Environmental groups in the United States are lobbying for the nation to meet 20% of its energy demands using wind power by the year 2030. Recent advances in technology and tax credits for wind farm builders has made wind power more efficient and financially feasible. But opponents to wind energy say that turbines break down easily and can cause property values to decrease, impair scenic views, and above all, kill or injure wildlife who come into contact with the spinning blades.

Conservationists have pointed out that renewable-energy companies are held to different standards than non-renewable energy corporations such as oil companies, even though both types of companies are responsible for their adverse impacts to bird life. An Oregon-based power company recently paid more than $1 million in fines for killing over 200 golden eagles in Wyoming over a two-year period. But wind farms that kill birds seem to avoid being prosecuted or paying fines as a result. For example, a wind farm in Altamont Pass, California was found to kill more than 10,000 birds per year in a July 2008 study. Nearly all of these birds are protected under the Migratory Bird Act, which applies to both renewable and non-renewable energy companies. This wind farm killed nearly as many golden eagles as the power lines in Wyoming, but so far no charges have been brought against the company.

However, wind-power advocates cite a number of statistics that support the environmental-friendliess of wind power projects. Compared to other threats to bird life, such as domestic cats and tall buildings, wind turbines are relatively harmless. For example, housecats kill more than 1 billion birds each year, compared to several hundred thousand killed by wind turbines each year. In addition, more birds are killed when they strike buildings or are electrocuted on power lines each year than are killed by wind turbines. Several recent studies have researched methods to prevent bird fatalities caused by wind farms.

Scientists have suggested that careful placement of a wind farm may help reduce its impacts on birds. For example, wind companies should avoid important bird breeding areas or habitats that act as stopover points during bird migration. In addition, many patents have been submitted for devices that prevent birds from flying near or into wind turbines. One such device emits an electronic frequency that birds perceive as annoying, which effectively and safely routes birds around turbines or power lines. A similar device has been introduced to prevent boats from striking whales.

As the global population's demand for energy increases, the greater the chance that wind farms will be built. Hopefully, new technology, legislation, and incentives will be put in place to reduce the negative impacts that these normally-environmental-friendly structures have on birds.