Analyzing bird population declines due to renewable power sources in California

Bob Yirka is a writer for Phys.org.

A team of researchers affiliated with a large number of institutions in the U.S. have been trying to determine the vulnerability of bird populations to alternative energy production. The impact on bird populations in California was studied in a paper published in the journal Royal Society Open Science.

Alternative energy sources are not always Earth friendly. Pollution is caused by the production of solar panels. Birds are often adversely impacted by wind and solar farms. Birds can be killed if they try to fly through the wind turbine blades and if they fly over large solar farms. They can die from being displaced from their natural environment. The researchers looked at the impact of alternative power plants on vulnerable bird species in California instead of counting the number of birds that are killed by them.

To assess the impact on birds across the state, the researchers chose 23 species that are known to be at risk near alternative energy power plants. They collected data from prior studies and then went on feather-collecting outings to identify and count each site. They used species range maps along with migration flyway data. They obtained data on the placement, numbers, types and sizes of alternative energy plants. They used multiple techniques to determine the impact of bird deaths from solar and wind farms. A technique involved applying a Monte Carlo application along with a framework.

Exposure to alternative energy plants resulted in population declines of at least 20% for 11 of the 23 species studied. They found evidence of dangers to several populations due to harm done to migration networks, threats that go far beyond the location of plants.

More information: Tara J. Conkling et al, Vulnerability of avian populations to renewable energy production, Royal Society Open Science (2022). DOI: 10.1098/rsos.211558 Journal information: Royal Society Open Science

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