As a major developer of the Altamont Pass, i reject the notion of birdblenders.  Those ancient turbines, most of which are still spinning, were the birth of the modern wind industry.  They should be revered as the musem pieces they are, and not be compared with the technological revolution which produced the modern 90 meter diameter turbines of today.

The effect on avian mortality IS ONLY PRESENT IN THE ALTAMONT PASS, and in a sane world would be no reflection on the avian effects of turbines of today.  In fact, worldwide there is no evidence that windpower has a significant destructive effect on flying wildlife.  Despite the industry admitting that in the Altamont we did have a negative effect, solely due to site conditions and the particular turbines involved.

But that negative effect is far outweighed by the cumulative effect of normal poison power production on avian wildlife.

The industry is far advanced from those days, but would never have evolved to such high levels if it wasn't for the data from those early turbines.  To me, they may be archaic technology, but they are still beautiful.

And the new turbines are wonders in their own right.

I'm commenting from a hotel in the middle of a due diligence trip to evaluate the performance of a new generation of turbines, and am thankful both for a few minutes to comment, and the luck to still be involved at the heart of this necessary industry.

"Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one's courage." - Anaïs Nin