Bat Interactions with Wind Turbines

National Renewable Energy LaboratoryZapata County, TX

Bowman along with Wildlife Imaging Systems is monitoring bat flight behaviors at wind turbines with thermal imaging cameras and post-construction monitoring. The videos obtained are processed using machine learning algorithms to identify bat tracks and unique behaviors associated with bat attraction to wind turbines. Understanding why bats are attracted to wind turbines will help identify ways to reduce those interactions thereby reducing fatalities.