Abstract
We examined bird collision mortality, activity and species composition, at an 89tower wind resource area (WRA) in north-central Iowa, from April 15, 2003 to December 15, 2003 and March 15, 2004 to December 15, 2004. We found 2 birds in 2003 and 5 birds in 2004, in search transects and gravel access areas under towers. We adjusted for search probability, search efficiency and scavenging rate and estimated total bird mortality at 39.47 ± 4.60 (95% CI) in 2003 and 85.38 ± 7.78 (95% CI) in 2004. Bird abundance did not differ significantly between tower and non-tower sites. Bird flight close to the tower at rotor height was rare. There was a general trend, across species, of avoidance of the 0-30m zone closest to towers. These behaviors possibly reduce the risk of collision mortality. The Top of Iowa WRA had minimal impact on birds in the region.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
