Birds

Early wind turbines, built in the 1970s, were often dangerous for birds. 

Today’s turbines spin more slowly and rarely kill birds. Birds are at far more risk from global climate change and development, two trends that are seriously affecting their habitat. A recent report on Massachusetts birds shows that 25 percent the state’s breeding birds are in decline as a result of these trends.

Wind turbines are estimated to kill at most a half-million birds per year. This may sound like a lot, but compare this figure to these:

• 100 million birds killed flying into glass buildings
• 500 million birds killed by domestic cats

 Properly sited wind turbines are far less dangerous to birds than other trappings of human civilization. And, if we truly want to save our wildlife, we must address climate change now. Getting our energy from wind, rather than fossil fuels, is a big step in the right direction.