Abstract
This report updates outline ornithological work carried out as prescribed by the AES Geo Energy Environmental Management and Monitoring Plan (EMMP), and also the Environmental and Social Action Plan (ESAP) for the site. The work follows the Owner Ornithological Monitoring Plan.
The present document reports on the results and activities of the ornithological monitoring at Saint Nikola Wind Farm (SNWF) in the period 01.12.2011-15.03.2012. The winter bird survey was started in December and continued through January to February in order to minimize the potential impacts of SNWF on red-breasted geese Branta ruficollis (RBG) and other rare bird species.
The ornithological monitoring in the reported period was focused on the wintering bird fauna with special emphasis on the geese. Combination of the radar study of movements through the wind park territory, visual observations and carcass searches was applied in order to investigate numbers of the birds, feeding grounds as well as specific concentrations in the wind park territory.