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Wind Farms Can Reduce Bird Numbers by Up to Half
The study, in conjunction with the Scottish Natural Heritage, looked at 12 upland wind farms in the UK during the breeding season for a dozen common species including rare species such as hen harriers and skylarks.
The research, published in the Journal of Applied Ecology, found seven species were found less often than would be expected close to the turbines. The breeding population of buzzard, hen harrier, golden plover, snipe, curlew, wheatear and meadow pipit were reduced by up to half within 500m of the turbines.
It suggested that the most likely cause of the decline is the fact that birds are less likely to live near wind farms because of the noise and development, therefore the number of predators will also decline. Strikes with turbines was also suggested as a cause, but was thought to be less likely.
The RSPB recently came out in favour of wind farms, causing many members to leave in protest because of concern about the developments ruining the view in remote areas and contributing to the decline of birds.
Telegraph.co.uk: ‘Wind farms cause decline in bird population – RSPB’