May 1, 2012
Texas
Texas
Falcons threatened
by Richard Moore, Nature Report, www.valleycentral.com 30 April 2012
by Richard Moore, Nature Report, www.valleycentral.com 30 April 2012
Researchers have been studying the migration of peregrine falcons on South Padre Island for some 30 years, and have just completed their spring work, which included placing innovative transmitters on three falcons.
Two of the birds have already flown north of Dallas on their journey to arctic breeding grounds.
Mike Yates, an Earthspan Research Biologist, said, “The other one has hung around South Padre Island quite a bit, and interestingly enough this bird has spent most of its time offshore on oil platforms.”
However, these majestic birds of prey and other migratory birds are now threatened by the proliferation of massive wind turbine industrial projects, particularly one planned offshore from South Padre Island, which is perhaps the most important migratory corridor in North America.
According to the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, approximately 440,00 birds are killed by wind turbines each ear, and that is likely a very conservative estimate from a spreading and largely unregulated industry.
An environmental impact statement regarding the proposed offshore wind project is underway with public comments to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers accepted thru May 14.
URL to article: https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2012/05/01/falcons-threatened/