Is it true that wind farms kill birds and bats?
Wind turbines can potentially have impacts on birds and bats through collisions and habitat disruption. The impact is much less than that of buildings, house cats or the climatic changes that are impacting many bird habitats. A study reviewing the impact of wind farms on birds in the U.S. found that generally only two birds per turbine per year ever die in collisions with wind turbines. This is far less than the millions of deaths per year associated with birds crashing into buildings and windows or colliding with other objects. Construction activities of wind farms are conducted outside of migration seasons, so there is little to no impact on birds and bats expected at that time. During operations of similar wind projects, birds have been shown to adapt to the presence of turbines. Similarly, bat studies are conducted for wind farms to ensure that there is minimal impact of wind turbines on bat populations.
