Abstract
Collisions with wind turbines can be a problem for many species of birds. Of particular concern are collisions by eagles and other protected species. This research study used the laboratory methods of physiological optics, animal psychophysics, and retinal electrophysiology to analyze the causes of collisions and to evaluate visual deterrents based on the results of this analysis. Bird collisionswith the seemingly slow-moving turbines seem paradoxical given the superb vision that most birds, especially raptors, possess. However, our optical analysis indicated that as the eye approaches the rotating blades, the retinal image of the blade (which is the information that is transmitted to the animal's brain) increases in velocity until it is moving so fast that the retina cannot keep upwith it. At this point, the retinal image becomes a transparent blur that the bird probably interprets as a safe area to fly through, with disastrous consequences. This phenomenon is called 'motion smear' or 'motion blur.'
Original language | American English |
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Number of pages | 43 |
State | Published - 2003 |
Bibliographical note
Work performed by University of Maryland, College Park, MarylandNREL Publication Number
- NREL/SR-500-33249
Keywords
- avian
- avian collisions
- motion smear
- wind energy
- wind turbines