Aerial Survey of Wintering Waterbirds in the Proposed Nai Kun Wind Farm Project Area of Hecate Strait, 2005

摘要

The proposed Nai Kun wind farm project area is located in Hecate Strait off the northeast shoulder of Haida Gwaii, an area that is utilized by thousands of waterbirds in winter and far more during migration periods. As many as 350 wind turbines are planned, each rotating through a circle from 44 meters (150 feet) to 152 meters (500 feet). The waters out to 23 km from shore remain less than 10 fathoms in depth and provide feeding habitat for diving ducks and loons. This survey represents the first systematic offshore survey of the avian resources utilizing this unique area. Twenty-six transect lines spaced 1 nautical mile apart were flown twice between February 24 and February 28, 2005.