Offshore Wind Farms and Their Effects on Birds

This technical report reviews the effects of offshore wind farms on bird populations, focusing on the Danish and European experiences. It outlines the potential consequences for birds, including barriers to movement, displacement from feeding areas, and collision mortality. The report presents case studies illustrating displacement effects on species such as the Red-throated Diver and the Common Scoter, while acknowledging the challenges in determining the causes and population-level impacts of these effects. The authors note that large-bodied birds tend to avoid offshore turbines, but data on smaller species is less comprehensive. The report emphasizes the importance of careful site selection during the planning phase to mitigate potential conflicts with avian populations. It also highlights the need for ongoing site-specific impact assessments and a strategic approach to future offshore wind farm developments, considering the cumulative impacts across multiple projects. Overall, the report stresses the urgency of developing effective assessment mechanisms for the potential effects on bird populations.