Report on monitoring of the wind farm impact on birds

Transcription

1 Report on monitoring of the wind farm impact on birds in the vicinity of Gnieżdżewo (gmina Puck, pomorskie voivodeship) Spring 2012 Piotr Zieliński, Gerard Bela, Andrzej Marchlewski Gdańsk, May 2012

2 PRO ORNIS Monika Zielińska The Studio of Nature Research Nadwiślańska Gdańsk phone Authors: Piotr Zieliński Ornithological Station Museum and Institute of Zoology PAS Nadwiślańska Gdańsk phone , Gerard Bela Os. Słoneczne 13/ Garzyn tel Andrzej Marchlewski Wejherowska Puck 2

3 Table of contents 1. INTRODUCTION METHODS Counting from and observation point Searching of dead birds RESULTS Brief characteristic of migration Bird conservation status Avoidance behaviour Flight altitude Mortality of birds caused by collisions with turbines The Skylark Alauda arvensis The Corn Bunting Emberiza calandra The Linnet Carduelis cannabina The Short-eared Owl Asio flammeus The Firecrest Regulus ignicapilla The Goldcrest Regulus regulus The Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs MORTALITY RATE OF BATS INTENSITY OF AIRSPACE USE CONCLUSIONS LITERATURE

4 1. Introduction The report describes spring migration of birds in the vicinity of the wind farm near Gnieżdżewo, gm. Puck, pomorskie voivodeship. It has been prepared upon the order of DIPOL Spółka z ograniczoną odpowiedzialnością seated in Warsaw, Wiertnicza str Field studies are the continuation of monitoring started in spring Methods In principle, methods of data collecting have not been changed in comparison to previous years of studies. Since this spring, however, the area of searching of dead birds was a little modified (look: paragraph 2.2). Data have been collected on the observation point, while walking of observers between wind turbines and during penetration the area around the turbines. Data collected in this way enabled to estimate the bird species composition, their number during spring and mortality caused by collisions with turbines. Monitoring has been carried out under all 11 Dipol turbines. Field studies were based on: - counting of birds from observation point; collected data enabled to estimate airspace use by birds; estimation of species composition of birds that occur in this area; enabled to estimate the wind farm area use by birds to forage and rest; - searching of dead birds and bats; enabled to estimate mortality of birds and bats caused by collisions with turbines Counting from and observation point As in previous years, field studies of spring migration were conducted from the middle of March to the middle of May ( ). Counting methods have not been changed in comparison to previous years. Data on birds migration have been collected while a few-hour on-site visits conducted under different weather conditions on the observation point. In total, the team of observers spent in a field 75 hours (the range: 1-5 a day) (excluding 4

5 searching of collision victims). The mean time of counting on the point was almost 3 hours (2.9 hours.). Field studies started in early morning hours and lasted up to 5 hours. In total, 26 days have been spent on field studies. On average, on-site visits were carried out each 2.3 days. In March, 4 field visits were done, in April - 15, and in May - 7. Time of migration studies depended on weather conditions counting on the point was shortened while raining or fog and elongated while migration was intensive. Observations were conducted with a binoculars 10x40 and a telescope 20-60x80. To describe airspace use by birds and estimate which bird species may be most collisionprone with turbines, flight altitude was classified into one of 3 categories: 0-40 m (from the ground to the top of a blade of rotor in lower position, m (working rotor zone) and more than 120 m (above the top of blade of rotor in upper position). The flight direction has been also noticed. Weather conditions having the significant impact on flight direction and altitude, have been obtained from the website: ( Following meteorological data have been collected: the direction and velocity of wind, a cloud cover, temperature and precipitation. Data from internet were enriched in own data noticed in a field. There were also gathered data on birds behaviour in response to turbines located on their flyway (so called avoidance behaviour): changes of the flight direction from 0 o (no change) to 180 o (max. change of the direction), flight altitude changes and other kinds of atypical behaviour, e.g. changes of a flock formation. Data on use the area to rest or forage were collected mostly while walking between particular turbines, but also were completed while counting on the point. Precious data on foraging places and kinds of crop used by birds were also noticed. The number of birds flying in numerous flocks was estimated by enlarging the unit of measure. The method was based on precious counting of 10 birds, and then the count was done by tens to 50. The rest of the flock was counted by 50s. Similar method has been used to estimate the number of birds feeding or resting on fields. Fields studies did not include bird species migrating at night Searching of dead birds Searching of birds that collided with turbines, was carried out during each on-site visit, on average - every 2.3 days. The area under each of 11 turbines was inspected. Since this spring the radial of searching was enlarged from 70 m to 100 m around each turbine tower. This 5

6 module lasted 4-6 hours, usually after counting on the observation point. If the study did not include all turbines one day, searching was continued the next day. In a case, when a dead bird was found and carcasses were not strongly decaying, collected data on: bird species, age, sex and kinds of injuries, date of finding, the distance to a tower and a approximate time of collision were also recorded. All dead birds found under turbines have been collected and the photographic documentation has been done. While searching the area around turbines also dead bats were collected. Individuals were identified by chiropterologists from Gdansk University. To increase detectability of victims, trained hunting dog was used for searching the breed Epagneul breton/brittany (from the group of pointing dogs). The methods of its work were based on searching the area around a turbine under a command. After finding a dead bird or bat the dog showed the place his owner. The observer came to this place and done all standard actions, e.g. identified the species of birds and done a photographic documentation, etc. The ability of the dog was tested while searching of intentionally left dead birds on previous day, coming from Ornithological Station Museum and Institute of Zoology PAS. Always at first the area was inspected by the observer without the dog. This rule enabled to compare the collision rate with previous years when searching was carried out without the dog. Then, the area was inspected by the dog. In field studies took part: Andrzej Marchlewski, Gerard Bela, Piotr Zieliński. 3. Results Brief characteristic of migration In spring, on the wind farm area 7239 birds from 63 species were recorded (Table 1). As usual, most numerous were birds that used the area for long-range migration and for local moving. Clearly, lesser number of birds were recorded on a ground while foraging or resting on migration. The majority of birds was identified to the species. However, non-identified birds were only 9.5 % (N=702 ind.) and they were: gulls Laridae (N=373 ind.), Passerines Passeriformes (N=259 ind.), geese Anserinae (N=70 ind.). Difficulties with identification 6

7 resulted mostly from the distance to an observer (geese high altitude of migration, Passerines distance) or a number of mix-species flocks (gulls). To illustrate migration dynamics, the number of birds from particular taxonomic groups were shown in 5-day periods (Fig 1). Spring migration dynamics varied, birds were numerous up to 22th 5-day periods (17-20 of April). Then, the migration gradually finished. Most distinct was the migration of Passerines that were very numerous. Intensive migration of this group was recorded in 17th 5- day period (N=1266 ind.). High numbers were observed also in 19th and 20th (adequately N=536 ind. and N=627 ind.). The migration of Cranes was recorded through the whole of study period. The number of this species was stable and stayed on a relatively high level in 19th and 20th 5-day periods, and then grew in 22th, when 431 Cranes were recorded. Raptors were not noticed at the beginning of migration (15th 5-day period), but then the number start growing. The peak of the number during spring migration, this group reached in 22th 5-day period when 140 individuals were recorded. Gulls in a majority of cases were noticed in early spring during farm works when reached relatively high numbers, e.g. in 16th 5-day period (N=375 ind.), 21th (N=175 ind.). Later, birds from this group were not observed at all or only single individuals were noticed (Fig. 1). Table 1. Birds recorded during spring migration on the wind farm area near Gnieżdżewo in P birds in flight, Z birds foraging. N_days the number of days when the species was recorded, % days the percentage of days when the species was recorded during migration. Spring Species migration Total P Z N days % days Sturnus vulgaris Starling ,7 Grus grus Crane ,5 Columba palumbus Wood Pigeon ,8 Turdus pilaris Fieldfare ,2 Larus sp. Gulls unident ,1 Fringilla coelebs Chaffinch ,5 Passeriformes sp. Passerines unident ,2 Larus canus Common Gull ,7 Buteo buteo Buzzard ,4 Emberiza citrinella Yellowhammer ,7 7

8 Spring Species migration Total P Z N days % days Larus cachinnans/argentatus Caspian/Herring Gull ,4 Alauda arvensis Skylark ,5 Larus ridibundus Black-headed Gull ,7 Ciconia ciconia White Stork ,3 Carduelis cannabina Linnet ,5 Anser sp. Geese unident ,7 Corvus corax Raven ,8 Anas platyrhynchos Mallard ,3 Motacilla alba White Wagtail ,2 Pluvialis apricaria Golden Plover ,7 Buteo lagopus Rough-legged Buzzard ,8 Hirundo rustica Barn Swallow ,9 Columba oenas Stock Dove ,2 Emberiza calandra Corn Bunting ,9 Accipiter nisus Sparrowhawk ,5 Milvus milvus Red Kite ,8 Falco tinnunculus Kestrel ,5 Vanellus vanellus Lapwing ,4 Anthus pratensis Meadow Pipit ,9 Fringilla montifringilla Brambling ,8 Passer montanus Tree Sparrow ,5 Riparia riparia Sand Martin ,8 Pica pica Magpie ,4 Phalacrocorax carbo Cormorant ,5 Accipiter gentilis Goshawk ,2 Carduelis spinus Siskin ,7 Circus aeruginosus Marsh Harrier ,4 Emberiza schoeniclus Reed Bunting ,2 Cyanistes caeruleus Blue Tit ,8 Saxicola rubetra Whinchat ,4 Motacilla flava Yellow Wagtail ,5 Ardea cinerea Grey Heron ,2 Carduelis carduelis Goldfinch ,5 Cygnus olor Mute Swan ,8 Delichon urbicum House Martin ,7 8

9 Spring Species migration Total P Z N days % days Haliaeetus albicilla White-tailed Eagle ,2 Charadrius dubius Little Ringed Plover ,7 Milvus migrans Black Kite ,5 Turdus philomelos Song Thrush ,8 Aquila pomarina Lesser Spotted Eagle ,7 Carduelis chloris Greenfinch ,7 Circus cyaneus Hen Harrier ,5 Parus major Great Tit ,8 Tringa totanus Redshank ,5 Lanius excubitor Great Grey Shrike ,5 Apus apus Swift ,8 Cuculus canorus Cuckoo ,7 Gallinago gallinago Snipe ,7 Aquila clanga Great Spotted Eagle ,8 Ciconia nigra Black Stork ,8 Falco columbarius Merlin ,8 Falco subbuteo Hobby ,8 Pernis apivorus Honey Buzzard ,8 Upupa epops Hoopoo ,8 Corvus cornix Hooded Crow ,8 TOTAL

10 Number of individuals day periods W ILD ST OR PIGE GULL PASS RAP T W ADE CRAN OT HER Fig. 1. The number of birds in 5-day periods in spring 2012 divided into taxonomic groups. WILD wildfowl, STOR storks, PIGE pigeons, GULL gulls, PASS Passerines, RAPT raptors, WADE waders, CRAN cranes, OTHER other orders - Swift, Hoopoo, Cuckoo, Cormorant. 15th 5-day period of March, 27th of May. The study area was used by 8 most numerous taxonomic groups. Most common were Passerines recorded during each of field visit on the farm (N_days=26; 100%). Raptors, Cranes and Pigeons were also recorded frequently. Each of them were noticed on 23 days. Other groups were recorded in days. The frequency for them was from 38 to 53% (Table 2). 10

11 Table 2. The frequency of records of particular groups of birds during spring migration near Gnieżdżewo. N days the number of days when the particular group was recorded, Freq. % - frequency of records. Taxonomic groups N days Freq. % Passerines Passeriformes Raptors Accipitriformes + Falconiformes 23 88,4 Cranes and Rails Gruiformes 23 88,4 Pigeons Columbiformes 23 88,4 Wildfowl Anseriformes 14 53,8 Gulls Lari 12 46,1 Other 12 46,1 Storks and Herons Ciconiiformes + Ardeiformes 11 42,3 Waders Charadrii 10 38,4 Most numerous from all species was the Starling Sturnus vulgaris. In total, 2476 individuals were recorded - 34% of all birds. Starlings used the farm area for migration and for foraging. Individuals recorded in a flight were 40% of all Starling (N=1006 ind.) and were observed in three categories of altitude. For flight they used mostly 2 of them: 0-40 m 375 recorded individuals (37% of Starlings) and m 612 recorded individuals (60% of Starlings). However, in the category above 120 m only 19 Starlings were seen (3%). In spring 2012 decidedly most of Starlings was noticed in the collision zone. Such airspace use by this species did not cause, however, any collision with turbines. Foraging Starlings were 60% of all birds (N=1470 ind.). Starlings were observed during 15 days between (15th-23th 5-day periods). Their number in this period strongly fluctuated. At the beginning of migration (15th 5-day period) were relatively numerous 315 ind. Then, in the next 5-day period the number decreased and in 17th strongly increased 1022 ind. In the 19th and 20the the number stayed on a stable level exceeding in each 5-day period individuals. Then, the number strongly decreased on the farm. The second bird species according to the number was the Crane Grus grus which reached in spring the number 1214 ind. (17% of all birds). Cranes were noticed on 23 days of field surveys. Almost all Cranes were recorded in flight (N=1202 ind.; 99% of Cranes), and 1 % of them (N=12 ind.) were observed while 11

12 foraging on the farm area. Moving of Cranes on small distances between feeding places were observed at low altitude up to 40 m above ground. At such low altitude flew 67 ind. (6% of Cranes). In the collision zone ( m) 9% of Cranes were recorded (N=106 ind.). Some of these individuals moved between Płutnica river valley and fields near Łebcz village. The majority of Cranes observed in flight migrated at altitude above 120 m - 85% of all Cranes (N=1029 ind.). Individuals noticed at this altitude migrated mostly toward east, north-east and south - 50% of all Cranes (N=517 ind.). Some of them flew also toward west and north-west 22% individuals (N=224 ind.). Other migrated toward north (N=86 ind.) or did not show any given direction. The number of Cranes fluctuated in particular 5-day periods (Fig. 2). At the beginning was intensive, and then, after 18th 5-day period strong increase was recorded with short decline in 20th. Between (22th 5-day period) the peak of the number was noticed when 431 individuals were recorded. The majority of them migrated toward east. In spring Cranes were observed feeding on the farm. Twice were observed in March and three times in April. Only once the group of 4 birds was seen, in other cases pairs of Cranes were recorded. They were noticed nearby the fields where in 2011 the corn was cultivated Number of individuals day periods Fig. 2. The number of Cranes during spring migration in In total, in the years during spring migration 4768 Cranes were recorded. During 7 years of monitoring their number on the wind farm area in Gnieżdżewo has been growing (Fig. 3.). Only in 2 years (spring 2008 and 2010) the number was lower than in previous one. During all years Cranes were recorded on the farm throughout the whole of the spring surveys 12

13 period ( ) (Fig. 4.). Characteristic of this area were strong fluctuations observed in particular years, but also in a long-term cycle (Fig. 2, 3, 4). Spring migration in particular 5-day periods showed similar intensity and peaks in similar periods, e. g and 2009, 2006, 2010 and 2012 (Fig. 4). The migration between particular years is more similar at the beginning than at the end of migration. The highest numbers were recorded in 2 years: spring ind. in 25th 5-day period and in spring ind. in 22th 5-day period (Fig. 4). Interestingly, Cranes were also numerous in the last 5-day period in spring 2011 when almost 200 Cranes were noticed in the middle of May. These high numbers resulted from migration flyway from wintering grounds in Western Europe and communal roosting at the Nature 2000 Site Bielawskie Błota. This place gather also non-breeding individuals and birds that lost their broods. Cranes form flocks that feed on fields and roost at the Bielawskie Błota. The number of Cranes has been growing successively as at the Nature 2000 Site as on the wind farm area in Gnieżdżewo y = 125,57x + 178,86 R 2 = 0, Fig. 3. Changes of the number of Cranes in the years during spring migration in the vicinity of Gnieżdżewo. The trend line was also shown. 13

14 Number of individuals day periods Fig. 4. Changes of the number of Cranes in the years during spring migration in particular 5-day periods. Main directions of spring migration were eastern and southern used by them in similar intensity. Less frequently they migrated toward west and north (Fig. 5). N NW NE W E SW SE S Fig. 5. Directions of birds migration on the study area in spring N 572 ind., NE 278 ind., E 1081 ind., SE 46 ind., S 1066 ind., SW 88 ind., W 811 ind., NW 116 ind., 14

15 3. 2. Bird conservation status The Annex I to the Birds Directive includes the list of all bird species that show a significant decline on the area of European Union. Polish Red Data Book of Animals includes basic information on birds (and also other animals) that population declined, are vulnerable due to very small population or due to sudden decrease of the number (Głowaciński 2001). Birds from the SPEC list under the criteria of BirdLife International (2004) this is a group of priority species in order that conservation action can be taken to improve their breeding status in Europe. There area a few SPEC categories with most important: SPEC 1 species of global conservation concern; SPEC 2 species not threatened globally, but with unfavorable conservation status in Europe and with global population concentrated on the continent. During migration the wind farm area was used by species protected under the Act on the Nature Protection of (Dz. U. Nr 92, poz.880) and the Regulation of the Ministry of Environment of (Dz. U. Nr 237, poz.1419). Some of them are also listed in the Annex I to the Birds Directive, BirdLife International or Polish Red Data Book of Animals. There were recorded, throughout the spring, 18 species with unfavorable status (Table 3). Most often were recorded birds from the Annex I to the BD (13 species), from SPEC 1, 2 list (12 species). There were also 7 species listed in Polish Red Data Book of Animals. From this list most valuable are birds included in all three categories: the White-tailed Eagle, the Lesser Spotted Eagle, the Greater Spotted Eagle, the Red Kite. From among all these birds most numerous was the Red Kite (N=25 ind.) and the White-tailed Eagle (N=5 ind.). The Lesser Spotted Eagle was noticed three times and the Greater Spotted Eagle only once. The great majority of these species do not breed on the farm area, but only use the area for migration or for foraging. In the neighbourhood (the radial of 10 km around the farm) their breeding territories or nests have White-tailed Eagles, White Storks, Red Kites and Cranes. Some of them use the farm area for foraging or for short-distance flight between feeding places and the nest (a few times the White-tailed Eagle was observed flying with a victim to the nest). However, the breeding species on the farm is the Corn Bunting and probably the Linnet. 15

16 Table 3. Species with so called unfavorable conservation status recorded in spring in the vicinity of Gnieżdżewo. SPEC 1 and 2 species threatened under the criteria of BirdLife International, Annex I to the BD species listed in the Annex I to the Birds Directive, PRDB species listed in the Polish Red Data Book of Animals (Głowaciński 2001). Species SPEC 1, 2 Annex I BD PRDB Ciconia ciconia White Stork ٧ ٧ Ciconia nigra Black Stork ٧ ٧ Haliaeetus albicilla White-tailed Eagle ٧ ٧ ٧ Aquila pomarina Lesser Spotted Eagle ٧ ٧ ٧ Aquila clanga Greater Spotted Eagle ٧ ٧ ٧ Milvus milvus Red Kite ٧ ٧ ٧ Milvus migrans Black Kite ٧ ٧ Circus aeruginosus Marsh Harrier ٧ Circus cyaneus Hen Harrier ٧ ٧ Pernis apivorus Honey Buzzard Falco columbarius Merlin ٧ Grus grus Crane ٧ ٧ Pluvialis apricaria Golden Plover ٧ ٧ Vanellus vanellus Lapwing ٧ Tringa totanus Redshank ٧ Larus canus Common Gull ٧ Carduelis cannabina Linnet ٧ Emberiza calandra Corn Bunting ٧ Total

17 3. 3. Avoidance behaviour In spring, avoidance behaviour has been recorded at 4.2% of birds in flight (N=202 ind.) (Table 4). Almost in all cases avoidance reaction showed large-size birds and the only smallsize was the Hoopoo Upupa epops. Most frequently such behaviour was observed at Cranes (96%; N=195 ind.). With similar frequency at this species were observed changes of the direction (N=63 ind.), enlarging of flight altitude (N=68 ind.), changes of flocks formation with simultaneous enlarging altitude (N=64 ind.). All these kinds of behaviour took place in 2 altitude zones: 0-40 m and > 120 m. In the collision zone avoidance behaviour was recorded at 71 ind. when birds omitted the whole of the farm, changed the flock formation and suddenly enlarged altitude over the farm area. More often Cranes showed avoidance behaviour at altitude above 120 m (N=124 ind.). Birds enlarged altitude and omitted the farm with similar frequency. Raptors showed avoidance behaviour during flight between turbines in the collision zone (the Lesser Spotted Eagle), changes of the direction (the White-tailed Eagle) or enlarged altitude (the Buzzard). However, the storks omitted particular turbines and enlarged altitude from the collision zone to altitude over 120 m. Table 4. Avoidance behaviour of particular bird species in reaction to turbines, recorded in spring Avoidance behaviour Species Number Changes of direction other of indiv. 90 o - Crane 9 The Whitetailed 90 o - Eagle 1 - Omitting the whole of farm Crane 54 - Omitting and enlarging altitude White Stork - Enlarging altitude Crane 68 - Enlarging altitude White Stork 1 - Changes of flock formation, altitude, direction Crane 58 The Lesser - Nervous behaviour Spotted Eagle 1 - Sudden reduction of altitude before turbine Hoopoo 1 - Altitude change Buzzard 1 - Changes of flock formation, omitting the whole of the farm Crane 6 Total

18 3. 4. Flight altitude Migration took place in three altitude categories. All of them were used with similar intensity. At altitude 0-40 m migrated 1637 birds (35% ind. recorded in flight), in the collision zone ( m) have been recorded lesser number of birds 1266 ind. (27% ind. in flight), and above 120 m migrated the highest number of birds 1817 ind. (38% ind. in flight) (Fig. 6). Migrating Cranes have been recorded in all altitude zones. Along with growing altitude, the number of birds increased. At 0-40 m only 67 Cranes have been recorded that used this zone to local moving between foraging places. The collision zone ( m) was used by 106 individuals for migration. These birds took off from surrounding fields or from the Płutnica river valley. The zone above 120 m has been used for migration for the highest number of Cranes 1029 ind. Monitoring carried out in the years indicated that the zone above 120 m is most intensively used by Cranes. At this altitude in each year migrated the highest number of Cranes. In particular years the percentage of migrating Cranes varied between 6% and 85%. However, the collision zone is used by this species with various intensity from year to year. In some years migrated at this altitude up to 33% of individuals. The breakdown of altitude categories includes also birds that hunted in flight. Most of raptors have been recorded above 120 m 51% (N=163 ind.). In the working rotor zone ( m) migrated the least number of birds - 20% (N=63 ind.), and in the lowest zone (0-40 m) 29% (N=94 ind.), (Fig. 6). In principle, migration took place low above ground or high over turbines. Moving of gulls in the neighbourhood of the farm had a local character and took place toward the rubbish-dump near Władysławowo town. Gulls arrived to the farm mostly during farm works and foraged on freshly ploughed fields. In principle, migration took place low over ground or high above turbines. The least number of individuals used the collision zone only 67 ind. (Fig. 6). As usual, small Passerines migrated mostly low over ground, though in spring 2012 the second - according to intensity - was the collision zone. At 0-40 m 1107 ind. (52% of Passerines) have been recorded, in the collision zone 933 ind. (44% of Passerines), and above turbines only 87 individuals (4% of Passerines). 18

19 Cranes Raptors Flight altitude (m) > Flight altitude (m) > Number of individuals Number of individuals Gulls Passerines Flight altitude (m) > Flight altitude (m) > Number of individuals Number of individuals All species of birds Flight altitude (m) > Number of individuals Fig. 6. Approximate altitude of migration of Cranes, raptors, gulls, Passerines and all of birds near Gnieżdżewo in spring Mortality of birds caused by collisions with turbines In spring under turbines 16 birds from 7 species were found that died due to collisions with turbines. Most collision-prone was the Skylark Alauda arvensis 6 individuals, the Corn Bunting Emberiza calandra 4 individuals, the Linnet Carduelis cannabina 2 ind. Other species were: the Short-eared Owl Asio flammeus, the Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs, the 19

20 Firecrest Regulus ignicapilla and the Goldcrest Regulus regulus and they were single individuals from each species (tab. 5). All species that collided with turbines are protected under the Act of Nature Protection of (Dz. U. Nr 92, poz.880) and the Regulation of the Ministry of Environment of (Dz. U. Nr 237, poz.1419). Moreover, the Shorteared Owl is listed in the Annex I to the Birds Directive, and the Linnet and Corn Bunting are in the category SPEC 2 under the criteria of BirdLife International (2004). Mortality of birds in spring 2012 was 1.4 birds per a turbine in the period From among these birds are also two victims found by the dog (Table 5) and 4 that have been found at first by the observer. During 2 spring seasons birds found by the dog were 25%-33%. Dead birds were found under 8 different turbines (Table 5), (Fig. 7). Most of them collided with the turbine EW 9, where 5 birds have been found from 4 species. Three birds collided with the turbine EW 8-2 Corn Buntings and one Goldcrest. Throughout the spring the rate of collisions was similar. In March and in April 12 birds were found (6 in March and 6 in April). However, in May collided 4 individuals. The highest collision rate in spring may result from kinds and structure of crops. In this season around some turbines corn was cultivated which grow slowly. At this time is low and grow in little density. From this reason dead birds are not hided among vegetation. Low precipitation made also very low growth of winter and spring crops. Table 5. Dead birds found under turbines near Gnieżdżewo in spring The species of bird, turbine number, distance to the tower, the direction and the date of finding have been shown. The bird found by the dog was marked with an asterisk (*). Turbine numbers are consistent with the Map 1. Species No. of turbine Dist. (m) Dir. Date F. coelebs Chaffinch EW10 10 S A. arvensis Skylark EW 6 25 W R. regulus Goldcrest EW 8 62 E E. calandra Corn Bunting EW15 15 E C. cannabina Linnet EW13 40 NE C. cannabina Linnet EW11 25 E

21 Species No. of turbine Dist. (m) Dir. Date A. arvensis Skylark EW 7 50 S A. flammeus Short-eared Owl EW 9 67 E R. ignicapilla Firecrest EW 9 36 E E. calandra Corn Bunting EW 8 0,5 S E. calandra Corn Bunting EW 8 71 S A. arvensis Skylark EW 7 58 N A. arvensis Skylark EW13 37 N A. arvensis Skylark EW9* 23 N A. arvensis Skylark EW 9 38 S E. calandra Corn Bunting EW 9* 18 N

22 Fig. 7. Finding places of dead birds that collided with turbines (red dots) on the wind farm near Gnieżdżewo in spring Digits wind turbine numbers The Skylark Alauda arvensis The most numerous victim on the wind farm near Gnieżdżewo. During spring seasons in the years Skylarks were found. While monitoring in spring dead Skylarks have been found (Table 5), (Picture 1, 2), under the turbines EW13, EW6, EW7 and EW9. 22

23 Under two of them (EW13, EW6) by 1 individuals were found and under other two by 2 Skylarks. The birds were found in all months when searching was carried out and along as time gone the number of victims grew. In March 1 individuals was found, in April 2, and in May 3 Skylarks. The half of them probably crashed shortly before finding. From next 3 birds only carcasses stayed tail feathers, primaries and covers. Such retained remains suggest that birds were partially eaten by rodents. The Skylark is a common and a numerous bird of open farmlands. Breeds also commonly on the farm area in Gnieżdżewo. It sings intensively in flight at the breeding territory. Aggressively defends its before other birds from the same species and chases away them making sudden terns. Such behaviour due to intensive airspace use - increases the probability of a collision with turbines, especially that some Skylarks nest in high vegetation under towers. The number of Polish breeding population is estimated to 4-7 millions of pairs. In the years the Skylark population showed little fluctuations of the number with no clear trend ( In spite of generally favorable status of this species in Poland, the European population showed a decline of the number (Tomiałojć, Stawarczyk 2003, Chylarecki, Sikora 2007, PECBMS 2009). The Skylark is protected under the Act of Nature Protection of (Dz. U. Nr 92, poz.880) and the Regulation of the Ministry of Environment of (Dz. U. Nr 237, poz.1419). 23

24 Picture 1. The Skylark Alauda arvensis found under the turbine EW7 on (photo P. Zieliński). Picture 2. The Skylark Alauda arvensis found under the turbine EW9 on (photo G. Bela) The Corn Bunting Emberiza calandra In spring 2012 first time were found dead Corn Buntings (Picture 3). They have been found under 3 turbines: EW8 2 ind., EW15 and EW 9 by 1 ind. Corn Buntings were found in March 1 ind., in April 2 ind. and in May 1 ind. The half of them did not show any visible injuries due to collisions. In a case of third individual were found carcasses only a cranion and several primaries and secondaries. Presumably this individual collided during winter. The fourth Corn Bunting has been found without a head and partially eaten entrails. The Corn Bunting is a fairly widespread species, middle-numerous or numerous. Occurs in open agricultural landscape - farm fields, meadows, pastures, wastelands, etc. It needs also single trees, fences, power lines used by males for singing. On the German wind farm it is considered as a collision-prone species (Illner 2011). Polish breeding population is estimated to thousands of pairs. In the years it showed a stable trend of the number ( In the years European population decreased. Strong decline by about 60% was reported in In next

25 years the population of this species stabilized on the low level (Chylarecki, Sikora 2007, Kuźniak, Dombrowski 2007, PECBMS 2009). In Poland the Corn Bunting is protected under the Act of Nature Protection of (Dz. U. Nr 92, poz.880) and the Regulation of the Ministry of Environment of (Dz. U. Nr 237, poz.1419). There is also listed in the category SPEC 2 under the criteria of BirdLife International (2004). Picture 3. The Corn Bunting Emberiza calandra found under the turbine EW8 on (photo P. Zieliński) The Linnet Carduelis cannabina In the years in spring 4 Linnets crashed with turbines. Two of them were found in 2012 (photo 4, 5). These two individuals collided with turbines EW11 and EW13 in last days of March. Both were males. One individual crash probably shortly before finding. However, the second one as indicates signs was partially eaten by rodents. The Linnet is a fairly numerous, locally numerous breeding bird with the widespread range of the occurence. Its population number is estimated to thousand of pairs (Chylarecki, Sikora 2007). However, in last years temperate decline of the number has been recorded. Similar unfavorable trends were observed in Europe, where the pace of the decline seems to be faster. 25

26 Presumably this decline of its number may be cause by unfavorable changes in agriculture, e. g. large-area cultivations, chemical pollution, etc. The Linnet is a species of open agricultural landscape with clusters of trees and bushes, where it build the nest (Kosiński, Tryjanowski 2007). In Poland, the Linnet is protected under the Act of Nature Protection of (Dz. U. Nr 92, poz.880) and the Regulation of the Ministry of Environment of (Dz. U. Nr 237, poz.1419). This is also listed in the category SPEC 2 under the criteria of BirdLife International (2004). Picture 4. The Linnet Carduelis cannabina found under the EW13 on (photo A. Marchlewski). Picture 5. The Linnet Carduelis cannabina carcasses found under the EW11 on (photo A. Marchlewski) The Short-eared Owl Asio flammeus First time, in spring 2012, the dead Short-eared Owl was found (Picture 6). The owl collided with the turbine EW9 and lay at the distance 67 m to the tower. It had no visible injuries, however, after inspection numerous fractures of the right wing were found and injuries of the head. Basing on fresh feathers and wet eyes the death one may suppose that the collision took place at last night before finding. The Short-eared Owl is a very scarce breeding bird in Poland. It breeds locally in a few locations, e.g. in eastern part of the country in the Biebrza and Narew river valley, Lublin region and Western Pomerania. Its population number is estimated to pairs. Differences in the number are caused by invasive character of rodents occurence its main food and high fluctuations of their numbers between years. The breeding success of this owl strongly depends on the number of rodents. The typical habitat of this owl are bogs, marshes and wet meadows. The species withdraws from these habitats especially due to their unfavorable changes, i. e. draining, overgrowing and 26

27 intensification of agriculture. In years with invasive occurence of rodents the Short-eared Owl may breed more numerously in some provinces of the country, even out of regular breeding areas. The Short-eared Owl is also rare migrating and wintering species in Poland. In some years is more numerous due to invasion of individuals from the east and the north of the continent. The dead owl, found at the end of April near Gnieżdżewo, was probably a migrating individual, because on the farm and the vicinity do not occur habitats preferred by this species. Though, irregular breeding was recorded at Bielawskie Błota Nature 2000 Site (Głowaciński 2001, Domaszewicz, Profus 2007, Tomiałojć, Stawarczyk 2003). In Poland, the Short-eared Owl is protected under the Act of Nature Protection of (Dz. U. Nr 92, poz.880) and the Regulation of the Ministry of Environment of (Dz. U. Nr 237, poz.1419). The species is also listed in the Annex I to the Birds Directive, in Polish Red Data Book of Animals in the category VU the species of high risk, vulnerable due to distinct decline of the number. Picture 6. The Short-eared Owl Asio flammeus found under the turbine EW9 on (photo G. Bela). 27

28 The Firecrest Regulus ignicapilla First time, in spring 2012 the Firecrest was found which died due to collision with turbines (Picure 7). This bird lay under the turbine EW9 at the distance 36 m to the tower on It does not show any visible injuries and was a male in second calendar year. The Firecrest is a widespread breeder, occurring in majority regions except central and eastern Poland. It is fairly numerous, locally scarce species. Occurs in multi-aged forests with significant share of coniferous trees, e.g. the Norway Spruce, Silver Fir or the European Larch. Its population is estimated to thousands of pairs (Chylarecki, Sikora 2007). In the years their number in the country increased, conversely than in Europe, where strong fluctuations were recorded on a relatively low level. Migration is poorly known and takes place in March and April. The species is more frequent and numerous during migration in the southern Baltic coasts. Due to their habitat preferences one may concluded that found individuals came from migrating population. The Firecrest is protected under the Act of Nature Protection of (Dz. U. Nr 92, poz.880) and the Regulation of the Ministry of Environment of (Dz. U. Nr 237, poz.1419). Picture 7. The Firecrest Regulus ignicapilla found dead under the turbine EW9 on (photo G. Bela). 28

29 The Goldcrest Regulus regulus This is the species showing a middle collision risk in Gnieżdżewo. In the years in spring 4 dead individuals were found - one of them in 2012 (Picture 8). The Goldcrest was found under the turbine EW8 at the end of March and it was a young male in second calendar year. This individuals was freshly died (wet eyes) and probably crashed at last night while migration. The Goldcrest in Poland is one of most numerous bird species. Is a widespread and numerous. Breeds in forests with admixture of coniferous trees, e.g. the Northern Spruce and the Silver Fir. Its population number is estimated to thousand of pairs (Chylarecki, Sikora 2007). No visible trend of the number was observed in Poland and also in other European countries (Wojciechowski, Janiszewski 2007). During migration is a common species especially on the coast where sometime invasive occurence was recorded (Tomiałojć, Stawarczyk 2003). The Goldcrest is protected under the Act of Nature Protection of (Dz. U. Nr 92, poz.880) and the Regulation of the Ministry of Environment of (Dz. U. Nr 237, poz.1419). Picture 8. The Goldcrest Regulus regulus found dead under the turbine EW8 on (photo P. Zieliński) The Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs First time the Chaffinch was found in spring 2012 under the turbine EW10 at the distance 10 m to the tower on Only carcasses of the individual were found a few tail feathers, primaries, secondaries and covers. The Chaffinch is a widespread and very numerous species which the population is estimated to 5-10 millions of pairs. This is the most numerous 29

30 breeding species in Poland. It breeds in various kinds of woods, forests, parks and clusters. Its trend is fairly increasing (Stajszczyk 2007). As a migrating species is recorded in the whole of the country. On the coats migrates in high numbers even a million of individuals, e.g. on 23 and (Tomiałojć, Stawarczyk 2003). The individuals which collided with a turbine belonged probably to migrating population because there were no breeding attempts recorded on the farm area. The Chaffinch is protected under the Act of Nature Protection of (Dz. U. Nr 92, poz.880) and the Regulation of the Ministry of Environment of (Dz. U. Nr 237, poz.1419). 4. Mortality rate of bats Between under turbines no dead bat was found. 5. Intensity of airspace use Mean airspace use by all bird species in spring was 80.0 ind./60 min., with a median 45.2 ind./60 min. The range of intensity was ind./60 min. (Table 6). The mean rates of airspace use by particular taxonomic groups are shown in the Table 6. Airspace use intensity varied throughout the spring. At the beginning of migration was high, but then throughout other parts of the season was relatively low. Intensive migration was recorded in the 16th 5- day period (19.03.) when intensity reached 458 ind./60 min. Between 19th and 25th ( ) mean intensity stayed on similar level and was 69.1 ind./60 min. In this time were recorded also strong fluctuations of the number. In last two 5-day periods airspace use was low (33.8 ind./60 min), mostly by local birds (predominated Passerines flying low over ground). Table 6. Intensity of airspace use over the farm area by particular taxonomic groups. SE standard error, 95% CI confidence interval. Intensity (ind./60 min.) Taxonomic group mean SE 95% CI All species Cranes

31 Intensity (ind./60 min.) Taxonomic group mean SE 95% CI raptors Passerines Number of ind./60 min day p eriods Mean Standard error Standard dev iation Fig. 7. Intensity of airspace use by all bird species recorded in flight in spring Mean intensity was shown (squares) per 60 minute-session, standard error, and standard deviation in particular 5-day periods. Mean intensity of airspace use by cranes during spring migration was 22.9 ind./60 min, and a median 16.4 ind./60 min. At the beginning of migration intensity varied and in the first 5- day period no Crane was recorded. In next 3 Cranes migrated in small numbers (17th 5-day period 4 individuals) or middle-intensively reaching ind./60 min. (adequately in 18th and 16th). Then, migration was distinctly more intensive. Between 21th and 25th 5-day periods intensity of airspace use was 30.1 ind./60 min. In this period also fluctuations were observed. The peak of migration was recorded in 22th 5-day period ( ). On average, in this period during single session migrated 30.1 ind./60 min. Also the biggest flock was reported from this period individuals migrated at altitude above 120 m toward northeast. 31

32 Number of ind./60 min day p eriods Mean Standard error Standard dev iation Fig. 8. Intensity of airspace use by Cranes in spring Mean intensity (squares) per 60- minute session was shown, standard error and standard deviation in particular 5-day periods. Intensity of airspace use by raptors during migration was 5.8 ind./60 min., a median 2.7 ind./60 min. The range of intensity was ind./60 min. These mean includes also 4.3% (N=14 ind.) of individuals that hunted in flight on the farm area. They were three species 2 species of Buzzards and the Kestrel. Other raptors migrated through the farm in a given direction (typical migrating birds) or between feeding places, e.g. Red Kite. Intensity of airspace use by raptors varied. In the first half of migration (15th-21th 5-day period) low number of birds was recorded on average 2,7 ind./60 min. However, in the second half of migration (22th-27th 5-day period) migration intensity was 4 times higher with the mean 8.4 ind./60 min. In the first of four 5-day periods only 1.7 ind. per 1-hour were recorded. Little increase of the number was noticed in the 19th 5-day periods. The highest intensity during spring were recorded in 22th-24th 5-dy periods ( ). Migration in this period was intensive, on with the mean 13.8 ind./60 min. and the range ind./60 min. The peak of migration in the second half of April gathered more than 62% (N=200 ind.) of all raptors recorded in spring. Most intensive migration of raptors was recorded on 20 of April (22th 5- day period), when on average during one hour migrated 45.6 ind./60 min., and during 150 min. of observation 114 ind. from 9 species were recorded. Most numerous raptor was the Buzzard 73 ind. and the Rough-legged Buzzard 17 ind. This day the majority of birds 32

33 migrated toward west at altitude above 120 m (82% ind.; N=94 ind.). At the end of study period the number of raptors successively decreased Number of ind./60 min day periods Mean Standard error Standard dev iation Fig. 9. Intensity of airspace use by raptors recorded in flight in spring Mean intensity (red squares) per 60-minute session was shown, standard error and standard deviation in particular 5-day periods. Mean intensity of airspace use by Passerines was in the range ind./60 min. Mean intensity of airspace use by this order of birds was low 33.2 ind./60 min, and the median 13.7 ind./60 min. Airspace use by Passerines was most intensive at the beginning of migration when in 15th-20th 5-day periods migrated on average 68.8 ind./60 min. Then, in 21th-27th 5- day periods mean intensity was 15.9 ind./60 min. In the peak of migration (16th 5-day period) during 1 hour migrated 237 birds. 33

34 Number of ind./60 min day p eriods Mean Standard error Standard dev iation Fig. 10. Intensity of airspace use by Passerines recorded in flight in spring Mean intensity (squares) per 60-minute session was shown, standard error and standard deviation. 34

35 6. Conclusions 1. During spring migration 7239 birds from 63 species were recorded. The farm area was used mostly for migration 65% (N=4706 ind.) of birds were recorded in flight and 35% (N=2533 ind.) while foraging or resting. 2. Most numerous species was the Starling Sturnus vulgaris 34% (N=2476 ind.) of all birds. The farm area was used by Starlings more frequently for foraging 60% (N=1470 ind.) than for migration 40% (N=1006 ind.). The second species according to the number was the Crane 1214 ind. (17% of all birds), 85% of Cranes (N=1029 ind.). Also 12 foraging individuals were recorded on the farm. In long-term cycle regular growing trend of this species is observed. 3. In spring, 18 species with unfavorable conservation status Poland and in Europe, and among them 13 species from the Annex I to the Birds Directive, 12 species from categories SPEC1, 2 and 7 from Polish Red Data Book of Animals. 4. A few kinds of avoidance behaviour were recorded and they concerned 4.2% (N=202 ind.) of birds. Most frequent were changes of the flight direction. They usually were observed at large-size species e. g. Cranes 96% (N=195 ind.) of birds showing any kind of avoidance behaviour. Raptors showed mostly so called nervous behaviour sudden changes of the direction and altitude. 5. In spring, migration took place at 3 categories of altitude: 0-40 m 35% (N=1637 ind.), m 27% (N=1266 ind.) and > 120 m 38% (N=1817 ind.). 6. Between under Dipol wind turbines in Gnieżdżewo 16 dead birds from 7 species were found that collided with turbines. Most numerous were Skylarks, Corn Buntings and Linnets. The collision rate in this period was 1.4 ind./turbine. 7. Between no dead bat was found. 8. Mean intensity of airspace use by birds was 80.0 ind./60 min. (SE=18.15). For Cranes this parameter was 22.9 ind./60 min., for raptors 5.8 ind./60 min., and for Passerines 33.2 ind./60 min. 35

36 7. Literature BirdLife International (2004) Birds in Europe: population estimates, trends and conservation status. Cambridge, UK: BirdLife International. (BirdLife Conservation Series No. 12). Domaszewicz A., Profus P Uszatka błotna Asio flammeus. W: Sikora A., Rohde Z., Gromadzki M., Neubauer G., Chylarecki P. (red.) Atlas rozmieszczenia ptaków lęgowych Polski Bogucki Wyd. Nauk., Poznań, s Chylarecki P., Sikora A Ocena liczebności gatunków lęgowych w Polsce. W: Sikora A., Rohde Z., Gromadzki M., Neubauer G., Chylarecki P. (red.) Atlas rozmieszczenia ptaków lęgowych Polski Bogucki Wyd. Nauk., Poznań, s Głowaciński Z. (red.) Polska czerwona księga zwierząt - kręgowce. PWRiL, Warszawa. Illner H Comments on the report Wind Energy Developments and Natura 2000, edited by the European Commission in October Kosiński Z., Tryjanowski P Makolągwa Carduelis cannabina. W: Sikora A., Rohde Z., Gromadzki M., Neubauer G., Chylarecki P. (red.) Atlas rozmieszczenia ptaków lęgowych Polski Bogucki Wyd. Nauk., Poznań, s Kuźniak S., Dombrowski A Potrzeszcz Emberiza calandra. W: Sikora A., Rohde Z., Gromadzki M., Neubauer G., Chylarecki P. (red.) Atlas rozmieszczenia ptaków lęgowych Polski Bogucki Wyd. Nauk., Poznań, s PECBMS The State of Europes Common Birds CSO/RSPB, Prague, Czech Republic. Stajszczyk M Zięba Fringilla coelebs. W: Sikora A., Rohde Z., Gromadzki M., Neubauer G., Chylarecki P. (red.) Atlas rozmieszczenia ptaków lęgowych Polski Bogucki Wyd. Nauk., Poznań, s