Birds of prey: Hen harrier found dead on windfarm

Credit: The Press and Journal | 22 December 2012 | ~~

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The potential impact of turbines on birds of prey was thrust into the spotlight yesterday after a hen harrier was found dead on a windfarm.

RSPB Scotland said the adult male was discovered at the Griffin windfarm near Aberfeldy in Perthshire. A second bird was found with a badly-injured wing on the same site, which has 68 turbines, three weeks afterwards and died.

The windfarm, which was switched on in March, is located on former forestry land.

RSPB Scotland said “lessons must be learned” to protect hen harriers – a scarce species that hunt over rough grazings and moorland – from future developments.

Highland anti-windfarm campaigner Lyndsey Ward, of Kiltarlity, Inverness, argued it was “undeniable” that turbines affected thousands of birds and bats.

Aedan Smith, head of planning and development at RSPB Scotland, described the situation as “tragic”.

However, RSPB Scotland said no other hen harriers appeared to have been affected.

A Scottish Government spokeswoman added: “Ministers seek to ensure that we have the right developments in the right places.”

Source: The Press and Journal | 22 December 2012 |

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