An analysis of displacement from wind turbines in a wintering grassland bird community

Wind farms affect the occurrence, abundance and population trends of small passerine birds: The case of the Dupont's lark

“…To our knowledge, this is the first study specifically addressing the effect of wind farms on Dupont's lark populations, despite that many authors have drawn attention to the subject (Garza & Traba, ; Íñigo et al., ; Laiolo & Tella, ; Pérez‐Granados & López‐Iborra, ; Suárez, ). In addition, it is the first study to evaluate the effects of wind farms on small passerine birds, in general (De Lucas et al., ; Leddy et al., ; Stevens et al., ).…”

Collision avoidance by migrating raptors encountering a new electric power transmission line

“…Displacement, typically measured via telemetry or point counts, has been documented for a wide range of taxa including geese (Larsen and Madsen 2000), ducks Stevens et al 2013). While the mechanisms driving displacement are poorly understood, loss or degradation of habitat may be important, especially for habitat specialists (e.g., Le Conte's Sparrow [Ammodramus leconteii]; Stevens et al 2013), and may be compounded for species that are sensitive to turbine noise, construction noise, or tall structures (e.g., geese: Larsen and Madsen 2000; raptors: Garvin et al 2011, Johnston et al 2014. The latter may be especially relevant in open areas (e.g., grasslands), where species may be sensitive to tall structures, including wind turbines and power poles (e.g., prairie grouse; Hovick et al 2014).…”

“…Similarly, the presence of tall structures (i.e. wind turbines, power poles) at wind energy facilities that provide perches for avian predators may increase perceived predation risk, resulting in avoidance of those sites by potential prey species (e.g., Stevens et al 2013). Alternatively, species associated with disturbed ground or gravel substrates may be attracted to wind energy facilities through increased opportunities for foraging or nesting (e.g., Killdeer; Shaffer and Buhl 2016), as has been observed at disturbance sites with relatively small footprints associated with other energy sectors (e.g., oil and natural gas developments; Gilbert andChalfoun 2011, Ludlow et al 2015).…”

Bird Mortality at a Wind-Energy Facility near a Wetland of International Importance

“…Crane locations 10 km from towers were at slightly greater distances than would be expected by chance. This result could be interpreted as evidence for avoidance of wind towers, which has been found for other species during various times during their life history (e.g., breeding; Pearce-Higgins et al 2009, migration;Larsen and Madsen 2000, wintering;Fijn et al 2012, Stevens et al 2013. Wintering Sandhill Cranes formed smaller flocks at lower densities when they occurred ,8 km from towers in Texas, a result viewed as indication of avoidance behavior (Narvarrete 2011).…”