Human-Wildlife Conflict

Overview

The transition to renewable energy is essential for addressing climate change, but wind energy facilities can pose risks to birds, particularly raptors. My research investigates interactions between raptors and wind turbines, develops and evaluates mitigation technologies, and provides science-based guidance for minimizing wildlife impacts while supporting clean energy development.

Automated Curtailment Systems

Working with industry partners, I have evaluated the effectiveness of automated detection and curtailment systems for reducing eagle fatalities at wind facilities. The IdentiFlight system uses camera arrays and machine learning to detect eagles approaching turbines and automatically curtails blade rotation. Our research demonstrated that this technology significantly reduces eagle fatalities, providing a promising solution for the wind-wildlife conflict.

Understanding Risk Factors

Not all turbines pose equal risk to raptors. My research examines factors that influence eagle entry into rotor-swept zones, including flight behavior, weather conditions, and landscape features. Understanding these risk factors helps inform turbine siting decisions and operational protocols to minimize wildlife impacts.

Lead Poisoning in Condors

California Condors face persistent threats from lead poisoning, primarily from ingesting lead ammunition fragments in carcasses. I collaborate on research tracking lead exposure in condors and evaluating management strategies to address this conservation challenge.

Selected Publications

• Eagle fatalities are reduced by automated curtailment of wind turbines McClure CJW, Rolek BW, Dunn L, McCabe JD, Martinson L, Katzner T Journal of Applied Ecology, 2021
• Confirmation that eagle fatalities are reduced by automated curtailment of wind turbines McClure CJW, Rolek BW, Dunn L, McCabe JD, Martinson L, Katzner T Ecological Solutions and Evidence, 2022
• Eagles enter rotor-swept zones of wind turbines at rates that vary per turbine McClure CJW, Rolek BW, Braham MA, Miller TA, Duerr AE, McCabe JD, Dunn L, Katzner TE Ecology and Evolution, 2021
• Variation in flight characteristics associated with entry by eagles into rotor-swept zones of wind turbines Rolek BW, Braham MA, Miller TA, Duerr AE, Katzner TE, McClure CJW Ibis, 2023
• Tracking solutions to a persistent threat: spatial movement patterns reflect lead exposure in critically endangered California condors Jain V, McClure CJW, Parish CN, Hauck TJ, Sumasgutner P Ecotoxicology, 2025