| Wind energy represents a potential threat to grassland birds. We used an area search methodology to survey winter grassland birds Wolf Ridge Wind, LLC. To investigate the displacement of birds by wind turbines, I used logistic regression to test for patterns in plot occupancy. Plot occupancy for Savannah Sparrows, meadowlarks, Sprague's Pipits, and 'flyers' (longspurs, Horned Larks, and American Pipits) did not change with distance to turbine. As distance to turbine increased, plot occupancy for the Le Conte's Sparrow increased. To ensure that variation in suitable habitat across distance to turbine did not bias logistic regression results, I used an ecological niche modeling method that determined which plots were suitable Le Conte's Sparrow habitat. Logistic regression using only suitable plots for Le Conte's Sparrows confirmed that plot occupancy increased with distance to turbine. Predator evasion strategy and tolerance for disturbance may be two indicators for susceptibility to displacement by turbines. |
