Wind power is leading the way in the green energy transition. However, as wind farms continue to expand, so does the challenge of balancing them with birdlife. Thousands of collisions occur between birds and turbines every year globally, increasing the need for environmentally conscious wind farms that can coexist with avian life.
Thankfully, wind farm operators are finding innovative and effective ways to harmonise sites with surrounding wildlife. Chief among them are dedicated bird deterrent systems that safeguard operations, ensure smooth planning, and help sites adhere to ecological litigation.
Read on for a closer look at the benefits and types of bird deterrent systems available today.
The Top 3 Advantages of Bird Deterrent Systems for Wind Farms
1. Minimise Your Impact on Wildlife
From dispersing seeds and pollinating plants to controlling pest species, birds play an important role in the ecosystems they inhabit. So, as well as keeping bird numbers up, bird collision deterrence measures help to preserve biodiversity and the wider environment.
Bird deterrent systems can minimise fatal collisions by keeping birds away from turbines. This could limit your operation's impact on local populations and help to protect endangered species, like kestrels and eagles. However, it's important to note that deterrence systems can contribute to habitat loss and displacement by sending species away from sites that could be of high ecological importance.
Careful research into how your site serves local and migrating bird species is the first step in deciding what measures work best for you and local birdlife.
2. Enhance Your Reputation
Wind farm operators lead the way in wildlife-conscious green energy developments. Careful research into bird behaviour and close collaboration with ecological agencies has enabled them to implement technologies, like bird deterrent systems, that help to protect species before, during, and after wind farm construction.
Using these technologies at your site underscores a growing commitment to sustainable practices. Not only does this help you build a strong reputation among environmental groups, but it can also raise public opinion.
3. Reduce Operational Downtime
Wind turbines produce roughly 6 million kWh of electricity every year on average. However, every wind farm is unique in terms of its surrounding ecosystem, and some sites may need to factor this into its annual output.
For wind farm operators, understanding specific bird species and their behaviours means establishing measures that minimise bird mortality in a considered, economical way. Think protocols that maximise efficiency and optimise energy production at times of high risk.
Bird deterrent systems can support these efforts by diverting birds away from harm when needed, minimising blanket shutdowns and prolonged interruption.
What are the Most Common Types of Bird Deterrent Systems?
Bioacoustic Deterrents
Bioacoustic bird deterrent systems use sound to repel birds. They mimic the distress or alarm call of the target species, warning them against entering your airspace. Some systems even employ directional sound to minimise disruption to non-target species.
Pros:
- Safe and humane dispersal
- Allows you to target specific bird species
Cons:
- Requires knowledge of the target species
- Most effective when paired with a camera or wind farm bird radar
Scarecrow
Scarecrow is a leading manufacturer of bioacoustic deterrents. Boasting the world's largest database of bird distress calls, Scarecrow provides safe, humane, and reliable bird deterrence for a range of industries.
Different sites face different threats, depending on factors like location. Scarecrow works with you to identify which sounds to use at which sites, and for which species.
Black Turbine Blades
Most wind turbines are either white or grey. Lighter colours are more aesthetically pleasing and easier to distinguish from the air – an important consideration for aircraft safety. However, traditional monochromatic designs can create problems for birds.
White and grey turbines attract winged insects that many bird species prey on, increasing collision risks between turbines and hunting birds. There’s also the problem of motion smear; a visual phenomenon that renders fast-moving objects almost invisible to the naked eye. If you’ve ever seen a hummingbird or helicopter in flight, you’ve experienced this effect. Scientists suspect motion smear makes it difficult for birds to spot turbine blades, increasing bird collision frequency and mortality rates.
Fortunately, researchers have discovered a simple, low-cost solution to this problem. A recent Norwegian Institute for Nature Research (NINA) study found that simply painting one of a wind turbine’s three blades black can reduce bird collisions at wind farms by up to 70%.
Painting a turbine blade black reduces motion blur by creating dark streaks that birds can perceive. This bird deterrence measure gives them more time to react and change course, minimising collisions and mortality rates.
Pros:
- Cost-effective
- Long-lasting
Cons:
- Labour-intensive
- Only effective during the day
- Effectiveness may vary by species
Protecting Our Green Future with Bird Deterrent Systems
The International Energy Agency aims to produce 90% of the world’s electricity from renewable energy sources by 2050 to meet rising demand, with wind power at the forefront. By minimising collisions, bird deterrent systems are essential in ensuring wind farms and birdlife can coexist.
However, to unlock the full benefits of bird deterrent systems, you should deploy them alongside dedicated detection and monitoring equipment – like specialist avian radar. The right combination provides 24/7 coverage and full situational awareness, reducing collisions while maintaining energy production.
