Senior Principal Scientist Normandeau Associates, Inc. Alachua, Florida
Presentation Description: The physical location of offshore turbines in relation to staging areas in the USA, the Caribbean, and Central and South America can influence the birds and bats that encounter those turbines. A multi-year study using cameras, bird and bat acoustics, and VHF tag receivers has provided novel insights into some unexpected migration routes by these individuals. The timing of activity and the behavior of birds and bats in the offshore environment varies, and environmental conditions strongly influence when and how these animals interact with turbines. These studies help us understand exposure to turbine blades, collision risk, and displacement risk and, therefore, help inform mitigation strategies. To date, there have been limited data available on offshore bird and bat interactions with wind turbines in the offshore environment, and even fewer studies examining interannual variation among years. This study monitored bird and bat activity at offshore wind turbines off the Virginia coast from 2021 to 2023. We discuss the findings of this study and consider potential contributions to risk assessments for migrant passerines.
