BIRD FLIGHT CHARACTERISTICS NEAR WIND TURBINES IN MINNESOTA

During 1994-1995, we saw 70 species of birds on the Buffalo Ridge Wind Resource Area. In both years bird abundance peaked in spring. Red-win ged blackbirds (Agelaius phoeniceus), mallards (Anas platyrhynchos), c ommon grackles (Quiscalus quiscula), and barn swallows (Hirundo rustic a) were the species most commonly seen. Most birds (82-84%) flew above or below the height range of wind turbine blades (22-55 m). The Buffa lo Ridge Wind Resource Area poses little threat to resident or migrati ng birds at its current operating level.