At first glance, wind turbines seem to be ideal environmentally conscious energy sources. Second glance, however, may reveal hundreds of dead and injured birds at the base of irresponsibly placed turbines, particularly near critical migratory stopover habitats such as the marshes of northwestern Ohio. The Black Swamp Bird Observatory, Ohio Ornithological Society and Greater Mohican Audubon Society have begun a petition to protect that vital habitat, urging greater research of the effects of noncommercial wind turbines - those for schools, businesses and private residences - which are currently unregulated for positioning.Birds using stopover sites have different flight patterns than birds in active migration, and those flight patterns are not yet being considered when choosing wind turbine placement. By raising awareness of this critical distinction among public officials, it is hoped that renewable energy sources can be used in environmentally responsible ways.
Source : birding.about.com
