[yalpstel]

The WSJ article is here.

A July 2008 study of the wind farm at Altamont Pass, Calif., estimated that its turbines kill an average of 80 golden eagles per year. The study, funded by the Alameda County Community Development Agency, also estimated that about 10,000 birds—nearly all protected by the migratory bird act—are being whacked every year at Altamont.

So is this a problem? Or is it part of the price we pay for green energy?

[roadkit]

Originally Posted by yalpstel

The WSJ article is here.



So is this a problem? Or is it part of the price we pay for green energy?

It depends on whether there are only 100 golden eagles left or one million. How many die from other causes?

Is there a reason that after the windmills have been there a few years that birds can't adapt and learn to stay away from them?

[shinyyy]

Originally Posted by roadkit

It depends on whether there are only 100 golden eagles left or one million. How many die from other causes?

Is there a reason that after the windmills have been there a few years that birds can't adapt and learn to stay away from them?

Natural selection, man. With all the benefits wind energy provides, a few dumb-ass dead birds mean absolutely nothing to me.

[DoctorD]

There are no problem-free methods of energy generation. Only loud and misguided activists who think there are problem-free methods.

[spejic]

The WSJ article is very unfair (there's a shocker). The Altamont Pass was one of the first places in the world to have wind power generators, and they are of a very early design with small, fast spinning blades. Newer generators are far larger and far slower, which is safer for birds.

Besides, the article only mentions direct kills. Indirect kills from pollution from coal plants is far worse for birds.

[yalpstel]

I knew you'd come along a give me the answer I was looking for spejic!

Those windmills are a sight to behold.

[dannytoone]

Originally Posted by spejic

The WSJ article is very unfair (there's a shocker). The Altamont Pass was one of the first places in the world to have wind power generators, and they are of a very early design with small, fast spinning blades. Newer generators are far larger and far slower, which is safer for birds.

Besides, the article only mentions direct kills. Indirect kills from pollution from coal plants is far worse for birds.

I hate QFTing you, but this is QFT worthy.

This is not an inherent problem with wind power...merely the use of small wind turbines with fast blades.

[yalpstel]

Off topic, but what is QFT? Ya know, just in case I get QFT'd.

[dannytoone]

Originally Posted by yalpstel

Off topic, but what is QFT? Ya know, just in case I get QFT'd.

Quoted For Truth. Its like a secular "Amen!"

[yalpstel]

Ah, that's a new one for me.

I thought you were gonna say something like Quit F'ing Talking. But that didn't make sense with your reply to spejic.

Okay, back to dead birds.....