NRP Ltd has undertaken studies of impact of windfarms on ranging behaviour of golden eagles in Scotland. Our longest running study (now more than 8 yrs and over 1100 observation hours) is at the Beinn an Tuirc windfarm site in Argyll. The results of the first 7 years of this research were published in Scottish Birds in mid-2005. The results examine eagle response to the windfarm and their response to tree-felling undertaken to mitigate for potential lost habitat and reduce potential for collisions. Click on the citation below for a pdf version of the article.
 Walker, D., M. McGrady, A. McCluskie, M. Madders & D. R. A. McLeod. 2005. Resident Golden Eagle ranging behaviour before and after construction of a windfarm in Argyll. Scottish Birds 25:24-40.
Eagle ranging in relation to windfarms in Argyll
Abstract
Resident Golden Eagle ranging behaviour was monitored over 776 observation hours
before and after construction of a windfarm in Argyll, western Scotland between 1997
and 2004. Overall size of the eagle range that was potentially affected by the windfarm
(for male, female and both eagles) was similar before and after construction. Eagles
appeared to change their ranging to avoid the windfarm site. Once built the windfarm
was over flown mostly when other eagles intruded on the territory. An area of plantation
forestry was felled with the aim of mitigating the potential loss of foraging habitat to the
windfarm, and drawing eagles away from the windfarm thereby reducing collision risk.
Eagles were seen in the tree cleared area 3 times more often after felling than before
felling, and the shift in ranging was away from the windfarm and in the direction of the
felled area. These findings are from a single pair and should be used cautiously when
applied to other, similar, situations. However, they are an important first step in
understanding the likely effects of windfarms on eagles.
For further information please contact mike.mcgrady@natural-research.org
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