David et al: You have good reason for concern. Out here in California we have an awful problem at the Altamont pass windfarm area, where dozens of Golden Eagles and hundreds of other raptors are killed every year. If Exxon did it you'd see lots of headlines. A good site is http://www.currykerlinger.com/windpower.htm
We've learned several things: 1.Windfarms on major migration ridges are a problem. 2. Smaller windmills are probably worse -- they're nearly invisible because they spin so fast. 3. Tall buildings and towers probably kill even more birds than windmills. These problems present very difficult choices. The number of windmills is starting to explode as their costs decline and the demand for "green" power rises. Welcome to the real world of us economists -- life is nothing but tradeoffs and perfection exists only in the twisted minds of fanatics. Richard C. Carlson Full Time Birder, Biker & Rotarian Part-time Economist Minnesotan temporarily resident elsewhere since 1960 Palo Alto & Lake Tahoe, CA & Tucson, AZ [email protected] Palo Alto: 650-949-9590 Tucson: 520-760-4935 Tahoe: 530-581-0624
