Simple solution to wind turbines killing birds: Paint the blades differently

Sometimes a solution really is simple.

BBC: Black turbine blade 'can cut bird deaths'

Quote:

Dr May said the concept of reducing the motion smear of the rotating blades was based on laboratory experiments carried out in the US at the beginning of the century. The authors observed: "The annual fatality rate was significantly reduced at the turbines with a painted blade by over 70%, relative to the neighbouring control (i.e. unpainted) turbines." Dr May said that the findings were encouraging but further testing at different wind farms was needed in order to make the findings more robust. ... "If done prior to construction, it will be a very cost-effective measure that may help reduce unnecessary conflicts," he added. "What hasn't been tested yet, is whether other rotor blade patterns (e.g. red blade tips as used to warn aviation) might be equally effective....

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