This book discusses the increase in number and capacity of wind farms in Germany and how this is affecting birds of prey. Several methods are used to study the behaviour of birds of prey in relation to wind farms, including telemetry data, field observations, and comparisons of turbine base areas. Special attention is given to the effects on different bird species and the impact wind farms may have on population growth and breeding success of birds of prey. Chapter 6 discusses the collision risks at wind turbines and provides an analysis of the fatalities. In the concluding chapter, ideas are put forward to help minimize conflicts, estimate risks, and offer practical recommendations for future research.

This book will be of interest to wind farm developers, researchers, applied ecologists and landscape planners.

1 Introduction.- 2 Project structure and methods.- 3 Red Kite.- 4 Montagus Harrier.- 5 White-tailed Eagle.- 6 Collision risk.- 7 Population growth and breeding success of birds of prey and development of wind energy in Germany.- 8 Conclusions estimate of risk, minimizing conflicts, practical recommendations and need for further research.