Several Dutch wind farms are participating in an experiment that will slow down or stop rotating turbines for a day or two when migrating birds are expected. A new statistical model developed by students at the University of Amsterdam is used to predict up to two days ahead when the birds will arrive.
Occasionally a reminder that, as a species, we tend to think we’re the only travelers, ignoring the birds that travel incredible distances each year for the best beaches, forests and city sidewalks.
And although we humans find it easy to complain about airline seats, inflight food, crowded airports and more, no air travelers face some of the obstacles that birds do, including, increasingly, large-scale wind turbines generating electricity for the humans. Not only can the rapidly-turning blades kill birds by the thousands, their air currents can interfere with the migration sense of some birds.
Two large wind farms are included in the pilot project, and will be asked to adjust their rotation. The two-day notice will give them the opportunity to temporarily bring other sources online or to ask customers to use less at certain times.
