how much eagles kill wind power generators

Eagle fatalities from wind turbines

• Low fatality rates: Collisions between eagles and wind turbines are rare, especially in Scotland, due to eagles' tendency to stay well away from turbines by hundreds of meters 35

• Species differences:

  • Golden eagles have a nearly twice wider blind area above their head (74° vs 44°) compared to bald eagles, potentially increasing their collision risk 38
  • Bald eagles are significantly better at processing rapid frequency changes in sounds, which may affect their ability to detect and avoid turbines 38

• Avoidance behavior:

  • In Scotland, golden eagles show strong avoidance of wind turbines, with territorial birds being as wary or more so than non-territorial ones 35
  • Eagles tend to avoid turbines more when preferred habitat is nearby and wind speed is high 35

Factors influencing eagle-turbine interactions

• Habitat preference: Eagles show closer approach distances to turbines when the surrounding habitat is less suitable, highlighting the importance of turbine placement 35

• Wind conditions:

  • Eagles were recorded at closer distances to turbines when wind speeds at turbines were higher 35
  • Both eagles and wind turbines prefer areas with strong updrafts, increasing potential interaction 5

• Blade motion: The motion status of turbines was not a major factor influencing approach distances, with only a weak effect observed 35

Conservation measures and mitigation strategies

• Habitat management: Careful consideration of turbine placement in relation to eagle habitats is crucial for minimizing impacts 35

• Permitting and regulations:

  • The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has established general permits for wind energy projects with relatively consistent and low risk to eagles 9
  • Compensatory mitigation is required under eagle incidental take general permits for wind energy projects 9

• Technological solutions:

  • The Stochastic Soaring Raptor Simulator (SSRS) can help predict eagle flight paths and potential interactions with wind turbines 5
  • Development of auditory alerting stimuli for eagles may help reduce collision risk 38