OBSERVATION PROTOCOLS
This section of the meeting consisted of four presentations dealing with suggested approaches for conducting field studies to predict or measure various effects of wind developments on birds, along with discussion of those presentations. Some approaches were discussed or recommended in more than one presentation. The recommended approaches were recognized as overlapping and not mutually exclusive. It was acknowledged that we are at an early stage in developing standard protocols for bird wind turbine studies, and that all four of the suggested protocols contain useful elements.
- Brian A. Cooper described the use of small radars to study bird movements near potential or actual wind resource areas. He summarized the basic features of radars, the types of radars useful in bird studies, the use of small, mobile radars for avian wind power studies, the limitations of radars, and the need for complementary visual observations (day and night). Also, he commented on standardization of radar methods and methodological improvements that would be desirable.
- Richard L. Anderson described a field survey approach developed and implemented by the California Energy Commission to document bird utilization and bird mortality simultaneously in and near California wind resource areas. This avian risk assessment methodology is designed to determine the risk attributable to the WRA, based on Phase I surveys of bird populations and bird mortality at various distances from wind turbines and on focused followup Phase II and III studies as necessary. The methodology is designed and recommended for application in any area.
- Dr. Sidney A. Gauthreaux, Jr., summarized the guidelines that he has developed for monitoring pre and postconstruction populations, movements and mortality of birds in wind resource areas. These guidelines take account of experience during studies of avian power line interactions. They emphasize monitoring of bird movements through the zone of risk around actual wind turbines or proposed turbine locations, based on visual, nightvision device, and radar methods. These guidelines also include recommended procedures for dead bird searches.
- Dr. Michael L. Morrison and Holly Davis described suggested protocols for evaluating impacts of existing wind developments, including determination of bird mortality. They discussed the development of two protocols: (a) the avian risk assessment protocol now being applied by the California Energy Commission [see (2), above], and (b) a protocol to determine whether differences in turbine design or layout affect bird utilization and bird mortality.
A White Paper on each topic was prepared for distribution to meeting attendees. The following four sections consist of updated versions of these White Papers, in each case followed by a summary of the discussion that followed the oral presentation.
