A very typical sight in rural areas on the way to the cottage.
The majority of people living in turbine areas (and proposed turbine areas) are saying nay to these so called efficient "green" energy generators. In reality, wind turbines are unreliable and inefficient (on average 17-25% efficient), they are not “green” – need constant backup, so C02 emission is not reduced, and they are expensive – will cause electric bills to go up (30-40%).
Other common reasons for not wanting industrial wind turbines in an area are;
Loss of property value, studies show 20-40% decrease in property values within a 2-3 mile radius.
Loss of right of quiet enjoyment, views and comfort of property is disrupted. The natural beauty of the area is changed for at least 50 years
Human health impact, people are said to be suffering with Wind turbine syndrome: sleep interruption, headaches, dizziness, exhaustion, anxiety, concentration issues, and tinnitus. Shadow flicker from the blades passing between the sun and the home has been known to trigger migraines.
Animals, (farm and wildlife) are often affected, unexplained deaths after turbines were turned on, stray voltage problems, unexplained nervousness and irritability in livestock. Wildlife often leaves the area permanently.
According to a recently published scholarly article in the Wildlife Society Bulletin, it is estimated that wind turbines batter about 600,000 birds, and kill 20,000 to 37,000 annually. Birds of prey and other large species are particularly at risk.
sharing with...
Sources
www.wind-watch.org
www.windaction.org
Wildlife Society Bulletin
Wind Concerns Ontario
I like your first photo. Yes, we have tons of these wind turbines in the Columbia River Gorge of Oregon and Washington. They perch high on the top of the Gorge's cliffs and in my opinion, spoil the scenic views.
ReplyDeleteWow your photos are magnificent. There are not many where I am as of now but I am sure they are coming. The debate will continue of that I am sure also. B
ReplyDeleteI agree with 100% about wind power. You also add in the thousands bats that are also killed by these monsters.
ReplyDeleteVery informative post ~ so much controversy and yet it appears to be a good thing ~ Great photos ~
ReplyDeletecarol, xo
Hi Karen, here in NZ the wind turbines are mostly on tops of hill ridges, away from stock, homes and residential areas. I prefer them to nuclear, the wind noise not affecting any properties, but there will always be those who object for any reason. Cheers from Jean.
ReplyDeleteI am in the city, and I haven't seen many of these..
ReplyDeleteGorgeous sky photos!
I'm sad hearing that the turbines are not all that helpful nature-wise or cost-wise. I have seen only pictures of them, not one have I seen so far.
ReplyDeleteTerrific captures, Karen, and I do agree with you regarding the turbines -- most definitely not the better answer the problem -- just more of them!!
ReplyDeleteas is the case with so many of these "so-called" green/better options!! stuff i just don't take the time to think about!!
ReplyDeletebeautiful pictures!!
A very nice photo series ..... with soooo beautiful sky ....
ReplyDeleteBest regards, Karin
Gosh, I knew about the bird population being affected by these things, but not about the other stuff. Sheesh, sounds like for man and creature alike, they should abandon this effort. Your photos are beautiful, though!
ReplyDeleteEverything I read about them is bad! I haven't heard about the wind turbine syndrome though- that is awful!
ReplyDeletelike others have said, i knew about the bird tolls on migration paths, but wasn't aware of the other health issues affecting humans, livestock and wildlife. scary!
ReplyDeleteLovely SWF post, well done!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful shots of a pretty sky.
ReplyDeleteThese turbine farms are popping up everywhere. I find it sad that they plant them right in the middle of the birds migrations paths. On the lighter side, your skies are beautiful. I love the white puffy clouds. Have a happy weekend!
ReplyDeleteLots of protest in our part of the province to these wind turbines. A site that was presumed to be going ahead was stopped because the location was close to a nature area and a threatened turtle lives there so the ruling went against having the wind turbines. Of course it is being appealed by the company but the local are very happy ... for now.
ReplyDeleteinteresting factoids. i didn't know these about wind turbines.
ReplyDeleteBrilliant cloud shots.
ReplyDeleteHi Karen, on our month long road trip I have seen many of these wind turbine 'farms'. I am curious about them popping up all over the place and did not know these statistics before. Thank you for a very informative post. Now I know!
ReplyDeleteThese are very beautiful shots.
ReplyDeleteI am not sure if I am for, or against them, but I do know that there is something about the sound they make, that I absolutely love.
ReplyDeleteThese are wonderful images, Karen.
We are having similar discussions/arguments here.
ReplyDeletenot something I see close to home; there is always fierce debate about various issues concerning our environment. Here we see the coal-fired power-stations dotting the lake instead. Enjoyed your informative series Karen
ReplyDeleteI had no idea of the side effects of wind turbines. Such a shame as we really do need more sources of renewable energy.
ReplyDeleteLovely photos.
We just drove along the Columbia Gorge in Oregon (famous for wind, the river near Hood River is a mecca for wind surfers) and since the last time we drove it several years ago, we saw zillions (it seems like) of these wind machines. We were talking about whether they kill birds or not ... I knew they used to) ... and we were going to read more about it...so it was most timely to read your post..I didn't even know about all of the other problems. Scary.
ReplyDeleteWow this post is an eye opener for me. Had always thought wind turbines were a good alternative form of energy.
ReplyDeleteLovely captures!!
Great post and photography. Wind turbines are controversial in my area, also. They've totally changed the landscape out new Palm Springs (almost posted a photo this week for Skywatch but changed my mind).
ReplyDeleteThe turbines look awesome in your photos but sadly, according to your mentioned info, they endanger the environment.
ReplyDeleteVery good photo's Karen.... i like the colors and compositions very much,
ReplyDeleteHere in Holland we have also a lot these windturbines.
Greetings, Joop
The sky is beautifully 'dappled' with cotton. We also have those wind generators along the coast!
ReplyDeleteLoved the second one the most! Lovely!
ReplyDeletelove the first one most but i didn't know that they cause so much problem.
ReplyDeleteGreat shot of wind mills under the blue sky.
ReplyDeleteoh I hate them
ReplyDeleteand the birds they kill
....follow the money
and the political evil it pays for
I don't have serious convictions one way or the other. You present some interesting information.
ReplyDeleteNice captures. I am still fascinated by the turbines and don't find them offensive on the landscape.
ReplyDeleteGreat photos, thanks for sharing the background information too, our world is changing all the time and takes a bit of effort to figure out the best way to manage
ReplyDeleteThey are useful though. But I have to admit I have never thought about sleep deprivation from wind turbines.
ReplyDeleteMersad
Mersad Donko Photography
Great pic`s of these nasty bloody things. Leave it to the government to promote them.
ReplyDeleteI hate those stupid things. They make me think of something out of Teletubbie hell. The idea of sticking them in the ocean and screwing up the sea turtles just makes my blood boil.
ReplyDeleteThanks for this post.
yes, they are increasing in numbers here as well. :)
ReplyDelete