Research on birds and wind turbines in Smøla has started to give results. - This summer we found activity in 61 sea eagle territories on the main island and on the smaller surrounding islands, says PhD Research Scholar Espen Lie Dahl.
In these territories a total of 27 young eaglets were registered. This is the second highest number ever registered in Smøla. – To study differences in sea eagle behavior in relation to distances to the wind turbines we have registered the sea eagles’ flying activities both within and on the outside of the wind farm, Dahl explains. The results indicate that the sea eagles in Smøla do not react on the wind turbines. Their lack of reaction is part of the explaination why the eagles are exposed to collisions with the turbines. In 2009 7 dead eagles, 10 grouse, 5 crows, 3 snipe, one parrot crossbill, one wheatear, one Eurasian teal and one mallard duck were found in the systematic searches next to the turbines. - This year’s field season has been the third and second to last in the ordinary data collection, project manager Kjetil Bevanger explains. Bevanger is Senior Researcher at The Norwegian Institute for Nature Research (NINA). - The project has resulted in plenty and thorough data says Bevanger, and he is convinced that the work will be important both for the wind farm in Smøla, and for the planning of future wind parks other places along the coast. A central research tool has been a mobile bird radar. Together with researchers form SINTEF the radar is being developed to reveal the birds’ behavior in relation to the wind turbines. Other methods that have been used are DNA analysis, GPS-marking of birds, detection cameras, x-ray photography and model airplanes.
Contact person, NINA: Kjetil Bevanger
Birdwind is one of several projects at the research centre CEDREN