... to wildlife, the physical visual and aural impact of wind turbines, and finally global warming and pollution. The first area under consideration when analysing the environmental footprint of wind turbines is the impact on wildlife. Existing ecosystems are an important part of a healthy environment, and any attempt to install wind turbines must take these into account. The first aspect here is the potential for increased mortality of any birds in the area. The wind turbines could potentially kill birds in two ways: if they are turned off for long periods and birds approach or sit on the rotor blades; and also through collisions in periods of poor visibility (including darkness). For example, in a study conducted on wind farms on the Straits of Gibraltar, Griffon vultures were killed at a rate of 0.15 birds per turbine per year, and common kestrels at a rate of 0.19 birds per turbine ...

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