MAINE SUNDAY TELEGRAM • October 2, 2022
Let’s take a look at the science around birds and terrestrial wind turbines. Statistically, five birds have died from colliding with a building (generally, the building’s windows) for every building in the U.S., just this year. Do you own a car? About 1.25 birds per vehicle in the U.S. get struck by an automobile each year. Reading this online? Collisions or electrocutions from power lines and communication towers are next on the list of anthropogenic causes of mortality in birds, after buildings and cars. Terrestrial wind turbines kill an estimated 573,000 birds in the U.S. each year. When properly sited, wind turbines will have very little impact on birds, and will do more good by slowing climate change by generating electricity through a renewable source rather than burning fossil fuels. Check the website 3 Billions Birds Gone to see what you can do to help our birds and our planet. ~ Maine Audubon Staff Naturalist Doug Hitchcox