The Research Institute for Nature and Forest currently performs a long-term project to study the impact of land-based wind turbines on birds (nature) and to act as a consultancy for proposed wind farms in Flanders. The project started in 2000, under the authority of the Flemish government. Preliminary study results of the monitoring were presented in Everaert et al. (2002), Everaert (2003), Everaert & Stienen (2006) and Everaert (2006 a, b). A ‘Bird 2 Atlas’ with important bird areas and migration routes in Flanders was also made available (Everaert et al. 2003). In 2007, a comprehensive report will be published with the monitoring results from 2002-2006 and further recommendations (Everaert 2007). A new article for a scientific journal will follow. Also advice on the establishment of off-shore windfarms has been prepared.

This compilation of scientific reports provides compelling evidence of significant bird mortality at windfarms. Its cumulative effect with other causes of bird deaths may bring many species to extinction - especially as captivity-bred specimens will be lacking turbine-free habitats where they can be released safely.

This BirdLife Position Statement focuses on the EU and its relevant legislative instruments, but it could be applied in all countries that are signatories to the Bern Convention too, as the underlying principles are just as relevant. Therefore, BirdLife Partners in the respective countries will be invited to adopt this position.

You may not be aware of this but across America each year thousands of birds of prey are killed at wind farms. The public perception of wind turbines is that of slow moving blades turning in the wind on a ridge line. The power and danger of the prop design wind turbine is not well understood. Probably the hardest aspect for the public to grasp is that of "tip speed." The killer of eagles and all birds at wind farms is blade tip speed. This is what kills and this is what the wind industry does not publicize or put in their environmental documents.

The plight of these magnificent birds is probably "small change", given the world's present predicaments, but in my book at least, "progress" must not be allowed to fly in the face of conservation. I wonder if anyone will listen....