“A recent study has concluded that wind turbines pose less of a risk to farmland birds than previously thought.”
Birds Not At Risk From Wind Turbines [misleading headline]. Red Orbit.
While the study on European farmland birds shows small effect — good news — the headline above overgeneralizes.
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Dr. Ralph Maughan is professor emeritus of political science at Idaho State University. He was a Western Watersheds Project Board Member off and on for many years, and was also its President for several years. For a long time he produced Ralph Maughan’s Wolf Report. He was a founder of the Greater Yellowstone Coalition. He and Jackie Johnson Maughan wrote three editions of “Hiking Idaho.” He also wrote “Beyond the Tetons” and “Backpacking Wyoming’s Teton and Washakie Wilderness.” He created and is the administrator of The Wildlife News.
Comments
Brian-or anyone who knows about birds here,
So would this study indicate that migratory patterns would not be effected? As I understand it, that is a large concern.
I am also understanding from this, and assuming, that if pheasants are effected, sage grouse would be as well.
Though I am a strong supporter of wind, I would be a backer of polcies that would keep endangered species safe. So would it not be more sensable to place the turbines in non-grouse habitat?
I often hear arguments that the turbines are unsightly. That is a weak argument. Frankly I can deal with the looks, as long as it lessens brown clouds and carbon emissions. It is also cheaper in the long term and creating jobs, not to mention it can be done in smaller grids.
I am no expert though. I admitt I need to learn more. But it is far more promising than endless drilling and other ideas, as I see it. So I would hope more research is done on the effects to birds.
Any further insight would be welcomed.