>I am as yet to be convinced about the OBP debate with
>windfarms. The difference between wind turbines and
>lighthouses being that light is continual but the turbine
>blades obviously rotate so there is a greatly reduced chance
>of collision. to our knowledge, they also do not 'attract'
>birds.
Hi Simon
I don't believe that I suggested ANY form of attraction between birds
and unlit structures (moving or otherwise) - they can and do simply run
into them in conditions of low visibility!
>In terms of OBP conservation, I would regard ambient lighting
>as one of the most likely problems that these birds face. It's
True, but a large rotating structure in an area prone to fog and other
low-vis weather would undoubtedly be a hazard if it was shown that OBPs,
or other fauna, fly at that height over those sites in those kind of
conditions. The issue becomes one of appropriate siting of these things
rather than just ruling them out as an option. I think bird strike at
wind turbines, involving OBPs or anything else, warrants investigation
rather than outright dismissal! ... and from what I can tell from
talking to representatives, the regulators are in agreement on that
matter :-) Saying windfarms are no threat to OBPs does not make it so
... does it?
Cheers -- Lawrie
=================================
Lawrie Conole
Senior Zoologist
Ecology Australia Pty. Ltd.
Flora and Fauna Consultants
88B Station Street
FAIRFIELD VIC 3078 Australia
E-mail:
Ph: (03) 9489 4191; Mob: (0419) 588 993
Fax: (03) 9481 7679
ABN 83 006 757 142
=================================
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