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AVIAN COMMUNITY Far and away the biggest environmental concern regarding wind turbines is their impact on birds. Although only a few studies have examined the frequency of bird collisions with wind turbines, it is estimated that a bird will collide with a given wind turbine no more than approximately once every 8-15 years. In comparison, it is estimated that each year, 57 million birds die in collisions with vehicles; 1.25 million die in collisions with tall structures ( towers, buildings, etc.); and more than 97.5 million birds die in collisions with plate glass. Even though the collision frequency is comparatively low, siting a wind turbine on top of the Snow Bowl is still a great threat to bird survival. In a 3-year study examining Mt. Mansfield, Vermont as a frequent stopover habitat for migrant birds, it was concluded that montane regions are a significant marker for migratory pathways. If Mt. Mansfield was found to be a primary stopover location for migratory birds, then it can be assumed that the Snow Bowl - also part of the Green Mountain spine - will provide a similar stopover habitat. Thus, placement of turbines away from bird migration paths is an important first consideration in order to avoid unnecessary fatalities. There are certain ways to reduce the impact of wind turbines on the avian community: 1. Reduce the number of perches available on the turbine. A tubular tower would therefore be optimal as opposed to a lattice tower. 2. Paint the rotor blades in a certain pattern that contrasts with the general background environment. 3.
The Electric Power Research Institute has reported that broadcasting
a certain radio frequency to discourage birds from entering areas with
wind turbines is a possible solution. Source:
http://www.area.org
, http://www.nationalwind.org
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