Golden eagle found dead after wind turbine strike in Scotland
- A golden eagle named Sparky was found dead in Dumfries and Galloway after a wind turbine incident.
- The South of Scotland Golden Eagle Project detected the problem through satellite tagging.
- This case underscores the need for careful monitoring of wildlife as wind energy projects expand.
In August 2023, a golden eagle named Sparky was found dead after a suspected wind turbine strike in Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland. The South of Scotland Golden Eagle Project (SSGEP) reported that the three-year-old bird, which was locally fledged, had its wing detached and was discovered near the Windy Rig wind farm. Utilizing a satellite tagging system, the project was able to quickly locate Sparky's body after detecting unusual behavior indicated by the tags. This incident marks the first recorded case of its kind in southern Scotland, highlighting the potential dangers that wind farms might pose to local wildlife. The project manager, Dr. Cat Barlow, emphasized the importance of monitoring golden eagles for their conservation and the necessity for adaptive strategies in developing wind energy projects that consider the ecological impacts on eagle populations.