Sound waves could be used to prevent millions of birds flying into wind turbines

'Putting large, rotating structures that look like mincemeat-makers in the sky isn't going to be good'

Josh Gabbatiss Science Correspondent 

Friday 16 February 2018 21:41 GMT

Devices that use focused sounds to prevent birds from crashing into tall structures, or gathering in places where they are not wanted, have been developed by scientists. 

It is thought they could be employed to prevent the deaths of millions of birds every year that collide with wind turbines.

When other structures such as mobile phone masts and buildings are taken into consideration, the number of bird deaths resulting from collisions is thought to go into the billions.

At the same time, birds cause an enormous amount of damage to human infrastructure, feeding on agricultural products and flying into aeroplanes.

In response to these problems, behavioural biologist Dr John Swaddle has helped develop technological solutions that use sound waves to drive birds away from areas where they are causing disruption.

Continued