Wind Turbines and Nighthawks

New Hampshire has documented Common Nighthawks nesting at wind turbine sites and adult mortality associated with these nest sites. By creating clearings on ridges, where pre-existing ledges may have provided nighthawk nesting habitat, wind energy facilities have strong potential to attract nighthawks to nest on sites.

NH Audubon developed Best Management Practices for wind turbine sites to help avoid nighthawk mortality at wind turbine sites. These guidelines are based on behavioral data collected by Project Nighthawk. An accompanying Guide to Identification, Monitoring, and Behavior during Nesting to help train wind turbine personnel was also created.

Click here to view Common Nighthawk Monitoring and Management at Wind Turbine Sites (PDF document)