Rare golden eagle killed after flying into wind turbine in Galloway

Rare Golden Eagle Fatally Injured by Wind Turbine Collision in Galloway

In a tragic incident, a rare golden eagle named Sparky was killed after colliding with a wind turbine in Galloway, the Daily Record reported. The three-year-old bird of prey was found near a turbine base at Windy Rig windfarm with extensive injuries, including a ripped-off wing. This marks the first recorded instance of a golden eagle being killed by a wind turbine in the region and has sparked concerns about the need for additional safeguards to protect the golden eagle population in southern Scotland.

The Veterinary Investigation Centre at Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) confirmed that Sparky’s injuries were consistent with a wind turbine strike, dealing a blow to the South of Scotland Golden Eagle Project. The project, aimed at increasing golden eagle numbers in the region, had celebrated Sparky’s success as a conservation story before his untimely death.

Chris Rollie, chair of the Dumfries & Galloway Raptor Study Group, expressed devastation at Sparky’s passing, highlighting the importance of state-of-the-art satellite tagging in detecting such incidents. The incident underscores the ongoing challenge of balancing renewable energy development with wildlife conservation efforts, raising calls for closer collaboration between decision-makers and conservation groups.

Despite setbacks like Sparky’s death, the South of Scotland Golden Eagle Project has made significant strides in translocating and monitoring golden eagles in the region. Plans are underway to establish a standalone charity, RUN (Restoring Upland Nature), to continue and expand conservation efforts beyond 2024.

Dr. Cat Barlow, project manager of the Golden Eagle Project, emphasised the importance of mitigating risks to golden eagles from wind turbine collisions, urging support from funders and the public to sustain their work. Morag Watson, Director of Onshore at Scottish Renewables, acknowledged the need for collaboration with conservation projects like the South of Scotland Golden Eagle Project to ensure the protection of golden eagles in the area.

The tragic death of Sparky serves as a stark reminder of the complex challenges involved in balancing environmental conservation and sustainable energy development. It highlights the ongoing efforts of dedicated conservation projects in safeguarding Scotland’s rich wildlife heritage amidst the push for renewable energy solutions.