By Oregon Small Business Association Foundation,
Oregon researchers partnering with PacifiCorp at a Wyoming wind farm hope painting one of the three fiberglass blades in 30 wind turbines black may save more birds and bats from dying in collisions, according to KLCC. A study in Norway showed painting one blade black curbed bird collisions by 72 percent. A researcher at Oregon State University’s Department of Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Sciences likened it to bicycle wheels spinning so fast that each individual spoke becomes a blur. Turbines spinning fast also become a blur, but the one blade black may increase visibility of the spinning blades to prevent birds that see during the day from flying into them. It’s unlikely to affect bats, which fly at night using auditory cues. Researchers hope to prevent collisions and keep more golden eagles and other birds off federal endangered species lists.
Disclaimer: Articles featured on Oregon Report are the creation, responsibility and opinion of the authoring individual or organization which is featured at the top of every article.