New Gullen Range Wind Farm Pty Ltd
GULLEN RANGE WIND FARM
BIRD AND BAT ADAPTIVE MANAGEMENT PROGRAM
ANNUAL REPORT MARCH 2016 TO FEBRUARY 2017 SECOND YEAR OF IMPLEMENTATION
New Gullen Range Wind Farm Pty Ltd
Suite 5 61–63 Camberwell Road, Hawthorn, VIC 3123 P.O. Box 337, Camberwell, VIC 3124 Ph. (03) 9815 2111 Fax. (03) 9815 2685
March 2017 Report No. 14182 (28.2) Gullen Range Wind Farm – Annual Report Mar 2016 – Feb 2017 Report No. 14182 (28.2)
CONTENTS 1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ...... 1 2. INTRODUCTION ...... 6 3. OVERVIEW OF CHANGES TO THE BBAMP ...... 9 4. BIRD UTILISATION SURVEY ...... 26 4.1. Methodology ...... 26 4.1.1. Fixed-point bird count method ...... 26 4.1.2. Timing of the surveys ...... 27 4.1.3. Locations of survey points ...... 27 4.1.4. Incidental observations ...... 27 4.1.5. Limitations ...... 27 4.2. Results ...... 31 4.2.1. Species composition ...... 31 4.2.2. Species abundance ...... 31 4.2.3. Flight heights ...... 41 4.2.4. Raptors ...... 44 5. BAT SURVEY ...... 47 5.1. Previous Bat Utilisation Surveys ...... 47 5.1.1. Pre-construction Surveys ...... 47 5.1.2. Previous Post-construction Surveys in 2015 ...... 47 5.1.3. Conclusions from Pre-construction and 2015 Surveys ...... 49 5.2. The 2016 bat surveys ...... 49 5.3. Methodology of 2016 surveys ...... 49 5.3.1. Timing ...... 49 5.3.2. Recording protocol ...... 51 5.3.3. Call analysis ...... 51 5.3.4. Limitations ...... 52 5.4. Results of 2016 surveys ...... 53 5.4.1. Species composition and distribution ...... 53 5.4.2. Threatened Bats ...... 55 5.4.3. Flight heights ...... 57 5.5. Conclusions ...... 58 6. BIRD AND BAT MONITORING PROGRAM ...... 60 6.1. Methodology for the carcass searches ...... 60 6.1.1. Carcass searches ...... 60
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6.1.2. Correction factors for carcass searches ...... 61 6.1.3. Searcher efficiency trial ...... 61 6.1.4. Scavenger trial ...... 63 6.2. Carcass search results, March 2016 to February 2017 ...... 63 6.2.1. Birds ...... 63 6.2.2. Bats ...... 67 6.2.3. Results of scavenger and observer efficiency trials 2016 ...... 74 6.2.4. Carcass distribution under turbines ...... 77 6.2.5. Statistical analysis of carcass search - March 2016 to February 2017 .... 77 6.2.6. Statistical analysis of carcass search - January 2015 to February 2016 .. 78 6.3. Conclusions ...... 79 7. RAPTOR SURVEY ...... 80 7.1. Methodology ...... 80 7.2. Roaming Survey results ...... 80 7.3. Wedge-tailed Eagle casualties ...... 82 8. REFERENCES ...... 91
TABLES Table 1: Comparison of initial BBAMP methodology and revised methodology ...... 9 Table 2: Times when points were counted for each fixed-point count survey day ...... 26 Table 3: Species diversity during the four seasonal BUS at Gullen Range Wind Farm in 2016 ...... 31 Table 4: List of the dominant bird species and their relative importance at the impact sites ...... 33 Table 5: Number and height distribution of bird movements by species at the impact survey points during 2016 four seasonal BUS surveys ...... 35 Table 6: Number and height distribution of bird movements by species at the reference survey points during 2016 four seasonal BUS surveys ...... 38 Table 7: Number of birds recorded at each survey point during the four seasonal BUS surveys ...... 40 Table 8: Summary of birds recorded at the three flight heights during four seasonal BUS surveys ...... 42 Table 9: Species flying at rotor swept height (RSA) at the impact sites during the four seasonal BUS surveys ...... 42 Table 10: Raptor and Waterbird species recorded at survey points during four seasonal BUS surveys ...... 46
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Table 11: Threatened bat species calls recorded at GRWF during 2015 surveys ...... 48 Table 12: Bat species frequenting Gullen Range Wind Farm ...... 53 Table 13: Frequency of bat records at the eight ground recording sites during spring 2016 ...... 54 Table 14: Distribution of calls of the threatened bat species ...... 56 Table 15: Concurrent recording of bat calls from 80 metres above ground and ground level ...... 56 Table 16: Species of carcasses used in searcher efficiency and scavenger trials ...... 62 Table 17: Summary of carcass search results for bird and bats in 2016 ...... 64 Table 18: Summary of bird carcasses found from March 2016 to February 2017 ...... 65 Table 19: Summary of bat carcasses from March 2016 to February 2017 ...... 67 Table 20: Searcher efficiency trial results for July and November 2016 ...... 74 Table 21: Scavenger disappearance rate from the two trails: July and November 2016 76 Table 22: Summary of observed raptor flights during the second year monitoring period ...... 81
FIGURES Figure 1: Regional Location of Gullen Range Wind Farm ...... 8 Figure 2: Locations of bird utilisation survey points, bat recording points and turbines - North ...... 29 Figure 3: Locations of bird utilisation survey points, bat recording points and turbines - South ...... 30 Figure 4: Comparison of the average number of birds per season at the impact sites between the four seasons (Average ± SE) ...... 32 Figure 5: Comparison of bat calls recorded concurrently from ground level and at 80 m above ground ...... 58 Figure 6: Inner and outer carcass search zones underneath the turbines ...... 61 Figure 7: Carcass number by month ...... 66 Figure 8-14: Distribution of carcasses on the wind farm site ...... 73 Figure 15: Distances of bird and bat carcasses from turbine bases ...... 77 Figure 16-22: Raptor flight paths observed in the second year of monitoring ...... 83
APPENDICES Appendix 1: Raw data for the Bird Utilisation Surveys ...... 92 Appendix 2: Summary of bird mortality associated with wind turbines from March 2016 to February 2017 ...... 108
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Appendix 3: Summary of bat mortality associated with wind turbines from March 2016 to February 2017 ...... 109 Appendix 4: Gullen Rage Mortality Estimates – 2015 and 2016 (Symbolix)...... 110 Appendix 5: Raw data of all raptor movements recorded at Gullen Range Wind Farm during the monitoring period from March 2016 to February 2017 ...... 111
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1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Gullen Range Wind Farm is located in the Southern Tablelands region of New South Wales (NSW). Four groups of turbines are sited within approximately 2,800 hectares of agricultural and wooded land associated with the project, the Kialla, Bannister, Pomeroy and Gurrundah groups. The Wind Farm is owned by New Gullen Range Wind Farm Pty Ltd (NGRWF). The Minister for Planning approved the project for 73 turbines (File No: S07/00846) and operations started in December 2014. The first year of post-construction monitoring was undertaken in 2015 and the results were summarised in the first annual report for the Gullen Range Wind Farm (BL&A 2016b). The initial Bird and Bat Adaptive Management Program (BBAMP) prepared by ngh environmental (2012a) was replaced by an updated, statistically more robust BBAMP prepared by Brett Lane & Associates (BL&A 2016a) and approved by DPE/OEH. The revised version of the BBAMP was implemented from March 2016 by BL&A. This annual report covers the second year of post-construction monitoring, focusing on the implementation of the revised BBAMP from March 2016 to February 2017. The post-construction monitoring during the second year of post-construction monitoring included the following investigations: . Monthly carcass searches at 24 randomly selected turbines and five reference sites, including scavenger trials (to determine carcass removal rates before detection), and observer efficiency trials (to determine the rate at which observers detect carcasses); . Four seasonal bird utilisation surveys (BUS) to assess bird activity at the wind farm; . Two bat activity surveys using ultrasonic bat detectors during the migration seasons of the threatened Eastern Bent-wing Bat in autumn and spring to determine presence and distribution of bat species and activity levels (number of recorded calls) of threatened and other bat species of concern; . Monitoring of raptor flight paths and Wedge–tailed Eagle nesting sites; and . Observation of bird behaviour near turbines to determine if birds are demonstrating avoidance behaviour.
Bird Utilisation Survey (BUS) The 2016/17 bird utilisation surveys (BUS) recorded 72 species of predominantly farmland and woodland birds, with some records of raptors and waterbirds. The 2016/17 figure is similar to the observed number and range of species recorded in 2015 (71 species). Four threatened bird species were recorded in low numbers during the BUS: White- fronted Chat, Varied Sittella, Scarlet Robin and Flame Robin. None of these species are considered to be at risk from wind turbines as they do not fly at Rotor Swept Area (RSA) height regularly. Overall, 5.5% of all observed birds on the wind farm flew at RSA height at the impact survey points and 3.0% of the birds observed at the reference survey points flew at RSA height.
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Bat surveys 2016/17 Twelve bat species and one species complex, including three threatened bat species, were recorded during the bat detector surveys in March and November 2016. The Eastern Bent-wing Bat was recorded with 39 calls in autumn and one call in spring 2016. The Eastern Bent-wing Bat/Forest Bat complex was recorded with 54 calls in spring and 58 in autumn 2016. It is likely that the majority of these calls belonged to forest bats rather than the threatened species given the widespread occurrence on the wind farm of the former and the shared call frequency. It is noteworthy that the monthly surveys for bats in 2015 found the highest number of Eastern Bent-wing Bat calls in November and March. This indicates that the species is a passage migrant through the wind farm site during its migration season, albeit in relatively low numbers given the small numbers of calls recorded compared with similar surveys at some other wind farm sites in the region in these months (BL&A, unpubl. data). The Eastern False Pipistrelle Bat was recorded with three calls in autumn (March) and four calls in spring (November) 2016.
Carcass Monitoring During the formal carcass searches between March 2016 and February 2017, 14 bird carcasses, 25 bat carcasses and nine feather-spots were recorded. In addition, seven bird carcasses where recorded incidentally, outside the formal search time or under non- targeted turbines. Finds consisted of mostly common farmland and woodland species. Twenty of the bat carcasses were found during January and February 2017. This second year of data (based on 12 months implementation of the Department of Planning and Environment (DPE)/Office of Environment and Heritage (OEH)-approved, modified methodology) was used for the statistical analysis and calculation of the mortality rate per turbine per year for Gullen Range Wind Farm (Symbolix 2017, see Section 6.2.5) No threatened bird species were found during the carcass searches in 2016/17. No threatened bat species carcasses were recorded during the carcass searches in 2016. No discernible pattern was observed between different turbine groups or individual turbines in relation to mortality. Additionally, no seasonal pattern was observed in the mortality of birds. Bats were not active between May and October, and no bat carcasses were found during this time of the year. The mean searcher efficiency for bats was 73% and for birds 94%. The mean carcass duration before scavenging for all species was 8.0 days. The estimated average mortality rate was calculated as 3.7 bats per turbine per year and 3.3 birds per turbine per year. The analysis undertaken by BL&A of ten wind farms resulted in a range between 0.5 to 3 bats per turbine per year and a range of 0.5 to 5 birds per turbine per year. The mortality of 3.7 bats per turbine per year is slightly higher than this range and 3.3 birds per turbine per year is within the usual range of mortality expected for wind farms (BL&A, unpublished information).
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Raptors Roaming surveys for raptors were undertaken monthly during the 2016/2017 survey period. A total of eight species of raptor were observed at Gullen Range Wind Farm during the 2016/17 monitoring period with 67 flight paths being recorded, mostly from Wedge-tailed Eagles (WTE). Raptors formally accounted for 0.4 percent of the total number of birds identified on the wind farm during the 2016 bird utilisation surveys. Nine WTE nests were recorded close to or within the Gullen Range Wind Farm site. Of these nests, two were used by breeding pairs during 2016 (compared with four nests in 2015) both in the Gurrundah section of the wind farm. WTE pairs have two to three nests on average in their territory, but can have up to ten nests and they can build new nests at the beginning of a breeding season (Olsen 2005). The territory size can vary between 10 km2 and 100 km2 (Olsen 2005) and finding nests not being occupied in subsequent years is not unusual. For these reasons, it is not possible to attribute definitively the lower numbers of breeding eagle pairs in 2016-17 to the impact of the wind farm. It is possible that pairs may be using nests in that portion of their territory beyond the wind farm observation area and they may return to the nests within the wind farm site in later years. An immature eagle was observed flying with its parents on the south-west border of the Pomeroy section in February 2017. It is possible this pair could have nested elsewhere in the region this year. This pair is believed to be additional to the two breeding pairs identified with active nests within the Gurrundah group in 2016/17. While the Nankeen Kestrel suffered a moderately high mortality (ten carcasses and two feather spots) during the previous year (2015/16), this figure reduced to one incidental carcass and one feather spot were recorded for the March 2016 to February 2017 searches. Three Wedge-tailed Eagle (WTE) carcasses were found in 2016/17: one WTE was found during formal carcass searches; and two WTEs were found incidentally. This represents a significant decrease in numbers compared with 2015, when nine WTE carcasses were found. The majority of the wind farm continues to be used by WTE.
Summary of Findings The 2016 bird species diversity on the Gullen Range Wind Farm site is consistent with the pre-construction and 2015 diversity data. The 2016 data indicates that the operating wind farm has not had an impact on onsite bird species diversity. The 2016 bat species diversity on the Gullen Range Wind Farm is consistent with the pre-construction and 2015 diversity data. The 2016 data indicates that the operating wind farm has not had an impact on onsite bat species diversity. A total of three threatened bat species were recorded utilising the wind farm site in 2016, including one threatened species not previously identified on the project site. No threatened bird species have been found during the second year of post construction formal carcass searches. During the first year of carcass searches, two featherspots were recorded of the White-throated Needletail, a migratory species listed under the EPBC Act and one featherspot was recorded of the Spotted Harrier, listed as vulnerable under the NSW TSC Act.
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No threatened bat species have been found during the two years of post construction formal carcass searches. No threatened bird species that fly routinely within the RSA were identified during bird utilisation surveys or incidentally on the wind farm site. Gullen Range Wind Farm is considered to pose a low risk to threatened bird species. The 2015 and 2016 carcass search results have not identified a discernible pattern with respect to collision risk. The results have not isolated one turbine or turbine group as presenting a specific risk to avifauna. The loss of three WTE this year at the wind farm will not have a significant impact on the WTE population given that the overall population is very large (tens of thousands of pairs, Olsen 2005). Therefore, the wind farm is not considered to pose a threat to the overall WTE population. The period between March 2016 and February 2017 comprised 567 turbine searches with 23 bird carcasses being found resulting in one bird carcass being found every 25th turbine search. The carcass find rate at Gullen Range Wind Farm is slightly higher but not significantly different from the rate at which carcasses are found at wind farms elsewhere in southern Australia. The impact of the wind farm on non-threatened birds represents a loss from local populations of 240 per year (i.e. 3.3 birds per turbine per year multiplied by 73 turbines), made up mostly of magpies, cockatoos and common farm dam waterbirds and common woodland species that move across agricultural land (see also BL&A 2016b). Given that these impacts affect widespread, abundant birds, the population consequences of this impact for these species are not considered to be of conservation concern. The impact on non-threatened bats represents a loss of 272 per year (3.7 bats per turbine per year) consisting of mostly White-striped Freetail Bat, Gould’s Wattled Bat and Large Forest Bat, which are all common bat species. Impacts on the populations of these species are considered insignificant.
Conclusion and Recommendations 1. In view of these findings and having regard to the findings of the more intensive, although less statistically robust, investigations in 2015-16, BL&A considers that continuation of the routine carcass monitoring is not warranted as a clear picture has emerged of the species and numbers of birds affected by the project. A third year of monitoring is highly unlikely to provide any further insights. The wind farm affects mostly common farmland birds, a smaller number of common, mobile woodland birds and common farm dam waterbirds. These results are consistent between the two years, notwithstanding the difference in sampling design. It is not expected that a third year of monitoring will add any new information to these findings. Although a slightly more refined estimate of mortality may be possible, the estimates will be for species that are of no conservation concern. Hence, a more precise estimate would not in any way inform management and mitigation of impacts and is not warranted.
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2. It is recommended that routine reporting of bird and bat carcass finds under wind turbines by wind farm personnel continue, in accordance with the incidental carcass protocol detailed within the revised BBAMP (BL&A 2016a, section 5.4.5, p. 49). In addition, should any impact trigger occur, BL&A would support the implementation of the reporting and investigation requirements of the approved BBAMP (BL&A 2016a, Section 7). 3. To address previous comments received from the OEH (correspondence dated 21st February 2017), BL&A would suggest consideration be given by NGRWF to monitoring the breeding activity of WTE twice for the next two years (September and November) to determine where birds are nesting and the outcome of breeding attempts. 4. Should a regional-scale investigation be initiated of the WTE in the Southern Highlands of NSW, BL&A suggests NGRWF consider making a supporting contribution to funding such a study, in partnership with other wind farm operators in the region.
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2. INTRODUCTION The Gullen Range Wind Farm (GRWF) received Project Approval from the NSW Land and Environment Court (L&EC) on the 4th of August 2010 following assessment under Part 3A of the NSW Environment Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (EP&A Act). The GRWF comprises 73 wind turbines, one substation, associated access roads and 33kV electrical collection infrastructure. The Rotor Swept Area (RSA) of the turbines at Gullen Range Wind Farm is from 30 – 130 metres above the ground. Construction occurred from September 2012 to December 2014. The GRWF has been fully operational since 23rd December 2014. The GRWF owner and operator is New Gullen Range Wind Farm Pty Ltd (NGRWF). Gullen Range Wind Farm is located in the Southern Tablelands region of NSW (Figure 1). Four groups of turbines are located within approximately 2,800 hectares of agricultural and wooded land associated with the project: these are referred to as the Kialla, Bannister, Pomeroy and Gurrundah groups. Brett Lane and Associates Pty Ltd (BL&A) was commissioned by NGRWF to implement stage 2 (initial operational phase monitoring – year 1) of the monitoring program of the Bird and Bat Adaptive Management Program (BBAMP) for Gullen Range Wind Farm. The initial BBAMP for the project (ngh environmental, 2012a) was replaced by a revised BBAMP (BL&A 2016a) that was based on a more statistically robust carcass searching regime. The revised BBAMP was developed in conjunction with the Office of Environmental Heritage (OEH) and approved by the Department of Planning and Environment (DPE) in March 2016. The revised BBAMP covered one further year of studies and was implemented from March 2016 until February 2017 by BL&A. The overall aim of the BBAMP is to provide a program for monitoring the impacts on avifauna from GRWF operation and an overall strategy for managing and mitigating any significant bird and bat impacts arising from the operation of GRWF. This is achieved by establishing monitoring and management procedures consistent with the methods outlined by the Australian Wind Energy Association (AusWEA 2005) and endorsed in the Clean Energy Council’s Best Practice Guidelines (CEC 2013). The specific objectives of the BBAMP, derived from condition 3.1 for the Project Approval, are as follows: . To implement a monitoring program capable of detecting any changes to the population of birds and/ or bats that can reasonably be attributed to the operation of the project including pre- and post-construction presence; . To directly record impacts on birds and bats through carcass surveys; . To detail a decision-making framework that outlines the specific actions to be taken and possible mitigation measures implemented to reduce any impacts on bird and bat populations that have been identified as a result of the monitoring, or in the event that an impact trigger1 is detected; . To detail specific monitoring for 'at risk' bird and bat groups, such as the Wedge-tailed Eagle and the Eastern Bent-wing Bat and include mortality assessments, periodic local population censuses and bird utilisation surveys;
1 Definition of ‘impact trigger’ and ‘unacceptable impact’ is detailed in section 7.1 of the BBAMP (BL&A 2016a)
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. To detail specific and potential mitigation measures and related implementation strategies to reduce impacts on birds and bats; and . To identify matters to be addressed in periodic reports in relation to the outcomes of monitoring, the application of the decision making framework, the need for mitigation measures, progress with implementation of such measures, and their success. The strategy employed to ensure that any impact triggers and/or unacceptable impacts are detected includes the following. . Post-construction monitoring surveys, including carcass searches under operating turbines; . Statistical analysis of the results from monitoring; and . Reporting. This report presents the results of the second year (March 2016 to February 2017) of implementation of the BBAMP and it is divided into the sections described below. Section 3 gives an overview of the changes made to the BBAMP. Section 4 presents the methods and results of the bird utilisation survey. Section 5 presents the methods and results of the bat surveys. Section 6 presents the methods and results of the bird and bat carcass monitoring program. Section 7 presents the methods and results of the raptor surveys. Section 8 summarises the impacts on birds and bats at the wind farm. This investigation was undertaken by a team from Brett Lane & Associates Pty Ltd, comprising Khalid Al-Dabbagh (Senior Zoologist), Curtis Doughty (Senior Zoologist), Inga Kulik (Senior Ecologist and Project Manager) and Brett Lane (Principal Consultant).
Page | 7 Kialla
Bannister
Bannister
Pomeroy
Gurrundah
Sources: Esri, DeLorme, NAVTEQ, USGS, Intermap, iPC, NRCAN, Esri Japan, METI, Esri China (Hong Kong), Esri (Thailand), Sources: Esri, DeLorme, NAVTEQ, USGS, Intermap, iPC, NRCAN, Esri Japan, TomTom, 2013 METI, Esri China (Hong Kong), Esri (Thailand), TomTom, 2013
Kilometers Legend 0 1.5 3 6 Wind farm boundary Figure 1: Location of wind farm
Project: Gullan Range Wind Farm
Client: Goldwind Australia
Project No.: 14182 Date: 30/10/2014 Created By: M. Ghasemi / A. Stewart ¯ Gullen Range Wind Farm – Annual Report Mar 2016 – Feb 2017 Report No. 14182 (28.2)
3. OVERVIEW OF CHANGES TO THE BBAMP The initial BBAMP (ngh environmental 2012a) was implemented from January 2015 to February 2016. From March 2016 to February 2017 the new methodology in the revised BBAMP prepared by BL&A (BL&A 2016a) was implemented. The methodology of the initial BBAMP did not reflect the latest discussions with the OEH and was not consistent with a more statistically robust survey methodology adopted (post the approval of the initial BBAMP) for other wind farm projects in the area. For example, the approach to the carcass searches in the initial BBAMP could not be extrapolated to determine a wind farm wide impact, as the turbines underneath which carcass searches were undertaken were not selected randomly, leading to possible bias in any estimates of mortality rates. In addition, the initial approach included the survey of ‘non-focus turbines’ in rotating groups resulting in turbine groupings being surveyed once every four months and not monthly. Table 1 shows a comparison of the methodology prescribed by the initial BBAMP (ngh environmental 2012a) and the new methodology presented in the updated approved BBAMP (BL&A 2016a). Table 1: Comparison of initial BBAMP methodology and revised methodology Initial BBAMP methodology Revised BBAMP methodology Justification Monthly carcass searches of Monthly carcass searches of a The stratified random design 16 focus area turbines and third of all turbines (24 was used to choose turbines for a changing 14-15 non-focus randomly chosen turbines and search. This model allows for a turbine group each month five reference sites) for another statistically robust estimate of (=30 turbines) repeated year (including pulse searches, bird and bat collision rates at four times per month. Each which repeat each turbine the wind farm. Also using the non-focus turbine group is search within two days to pulse search can provide an searched every four provide an accurate estimate of the age of months. assessment of the actual age of carcasses when found. the carcass or time since it was killed). Scavenger search using Scavenger and observer trials Two scavenger and observer chicken (one trial) using local birds and bats (two trials during different grass trials, one when grass is high heights allow for more precise and one when grass is low). observer efficiency and carcass disappearance correction factors to be calculated. Monthly BUS with a Four BUS, one in each season. Seasonal BUS surveys (eight minimum of 12 BUS points The BUS were undertaken using per point) will give a more surveyed per month, twice the fixed-point survey accurate and statistically robust daily during carcass technique, searching an area of estimate in bird utilisation of searches, 100 x 200m 200 m radius (approx. 12.5 ha). the wind farm site throughout survey areas, 20 minutes, Eight impact and two reference the year. overall covering 9 locations points were surveyed and each repeated eight times per season.
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Initial BBAMP methodology Revised BBAMP methodology Justification Monthly Anabat surveys Two intensive Anabat surveys Provides more data on bat with four surveys per month, (one in late spring and one in activity collected in sufficient overall covering 4 locations late summer-early autumn), volume per site to enable coinciding with the Eastern detection of any migrating Bent-wing Bat migration at 8 Eastern Bent-wing Bat. survey locations. Monthly avoidance Avoidance behaviour will be Current BBAMP design failed to behaviour surveys during noted during all surveys, if birds detect avoidance behaviour carcass searches are observed in proximity to the due to low bird activity levels on Rotor Swept Area (RSA). the wind farm site. This is likely to be an infrequent occurrence for which it is hard to collect any meaningful data. Without a statistically useful volume of data (not feasible), it is unclear how this can inform management. Issues can effectively be dealt with through scenario modelling, if required. Monthly locality surveys, Weather patterns and changes Use of wind farm collected data noting weather patterns and in land use will be noted during considered valid and cost- change in land use, etc each (monthly) survey. effective. Wind farm operator collects very intensive weather observations and these can be referenced, if required. Monthly reporting Monthly summary reporting. Rationalises data analysis and Full annual carcass search, reporting into short monthly mortality estimate, BUS and progress reports and annual Anabat® reports. detailed analysis and reporting of all investigations. Annual reporting without Annual reporting including a A more comprehensive statistical analysis statistical analysis estimating reporting strategy that allows the mortality rate of birds and for “whole of farm” mortality bats and associated confidence rate estimation. limits The main approaches to the development and implementation of the revised BBAMP are described below. . To develop and implement a BBAMP consistent with more recent approaches for other NSW and Victorian wind farms . A statistically robust carcass monitoring program (random or stratified random design) to detect birds and bats that collide fatally with wind turbines as a basis for an annual estimate of bird and bat mortality rates . Specific management plans and measures for species and groups of concern . Surveys with a specific focus on at-risk species (e.g. Wedge-tailed Eagle, Eastern Bentwing Bat) as identified in the risk assessment and/or initiated due to a specific impact trigger
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. Mitigation measures to reduce the risk of birds and bats collision with operating wind turbines.
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4. BIRD UTILISATION SURVEY
4.1. Methodology
4.1.1. Fixed-point bird count method The fixed-point bird count method in the revised BBAMP used to collect bird utilisation data involved an observer stationed at a survey point for 15 minutes. The adequacy of using 15 minutes as an interval to record the presence of birds during bird utilisation surveys was investigated in an earlier study at another wind farm site (BL&A unpublished data). This showed that 82 to 100 percent (average 88 percent) of species actually seen in one hour of surveying were seen in the initial 15 minutes of observation. Based on this result, the period of 15 minutes used in the formal bird utilisation surveys at GRWF was considered adequate to generate representative data on the bird species in the area during replicate surveys. During this period, all birds observed within 100 metres of the observer were recorded. The species, the number of birds and the height of the bird when first observed were documented. For species of concern (threatened species, waterbirds and raptors), the minimum and maximum heights were recorded. For the purpose of this report, flight height relative to the rotor swept area (RSA) height is presented as described below. These heights were based on the actual turbine heights that were constructed, and were different from those used during the pre-construction phase. . A = Below RSA (< 30 metres above ground) . B = At RSA (31 – 130 metres above ground) . C = Above RSA (> 130 metres above ground) In the Bird Utilisation Survey (BUS), flight heights were measured at 10 m intervals between 0 and 40 metres and at 20 metre intervals above 40 metres and up to 140 metres. This allowed for comparisons to be made between the current and previous data. During the surveys, eight counts were made at each survey point. Counts were made at different times of the day to allow for time-of-day differences in bird movements and activity. Table 2 indicates when each point was counted on each survey day. This schedule ensured that all points were visited at all times of day so that no time-of-day biases affected the pooled count data. The timing of the counts was slightly changed as daylight hours differed between seasons. The bird utilisation surveys were undertaken on GRWF over a six day period during each of the four seasons in the 2016/17 survey period. Table 2: Times when points were counted for each fixed-point count survey day
8:00- 8:30- 9:00- 9:30- 10:30- 11:00- 11:30- Day 8:15 8:45 9:15 9:45 10:45 11:15 11:45 2 5 6 7 8 1 R1 2 3 7 8 1 R1 2 3 R2 4 3 R2 4 5 6 7 8 5 1 R1 2 3 R2 4 5 6 R2 4 5 6 7 8 1 7 2 6 7 8
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12:00- 13:10 - 13:30 - 14:00 - 14:30 - 15:00 - 15:30 - Day 12:15 13:15 13:45 14:15 14:45 15:15 15:45 1 1 R1 2 3 R2 4 2 3 R2 4 5 6 7 8 3 4 5 6 7 8 1 R1 4 1 R1 2 3 R2 4 5 5 6 7 8 1 R1 2 3 6 R1 2 3 R2 4 5 6 7 Note: See Figure 2 & 3 for survey point locations. The prefix ‘R’ refers to reference points.
4.1.2. Timing of the surveys Four BUS were undertaken during the 2016/17 survey period. Surveys were undertaken on GRWF during the following dates: . Autumn: 9th – 15th May, 2016 . Winter: 4th – 10th July, 2016 . Spring: 3rd – 9th October, 2016 and . Summer: 1st – 6th December, 2016.
4.1.3. Locations of survey points Ten fixed survey points were established on GRWF for each BUS survey; eight impact and two reference points. Impact points were located near and among turbine locations and reference points were located at least 500 metres away from turbines in areas of similar habitat (see Figures 2 & 3). The survey points were distributed as evenly as possible (subject to access constraints) across the wind farm site to maximise coverage in areas where wind turbines are located. Impact points were positioned on elevated ground where possible, allowing a clear view in all directions.
4.1.4. Incidental observations In addition to the observations during the ten formalised fixed-point counts, incidental observations of birds of concern (threatened species, raptors, and waterbirds) were made whilst travelling throughout the wind farm site. Notes were also made on woodland birds observed in remnant woodlands and any early morning and evening roosting movements. Emphasis was placed on observing birds that were moving through the site at RSA height.
4.1.5. Limitations The bird utilisation surveys were undertaken during all seasons and therefore cover all possible types of birds including resident, summer or winter visitors and transient migratory species. The first three categories were well presented in the data; however, the transient category was less represented as positive identification was in part dependent on the timing of the survey and the timing of transient species passing through the area. The purpose of the utilisation surveys was to collect a range of data, including usage of the site by resident and migratory birds that may only occur at certain times of the year.
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While during spring birds such as magpies, starlings and ravens would be breeding and holding territories within the study area, they would on the other hand collect in large feeding flocks during the non-breeding season (e.g. autumn). The BUS takes into consideration both time-of-day and seasonal variation in bird activity and species occurrence. Further, the utilisation rates and species relative abundances recorded during the 2016/17 surveys are considered to be representative of the GRWF site year-round. For these reasons, the utilisation surveys are considered to provide a comprehensive basis on which to assess the bird risks associated with the proposed Gullen Range Wind Farm.
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4.2. Results
4.2.1. Species composition Some 72 bird species were recorded utilising the wind farm site during the BUS surveys undertaken in 2016. The number of species found on the wind farm represents approximately 45 percent of birds reported to occur in the wider region (2016 species list as reported by the Bionet Atlas of NSW). The Bionet data includes many rare and threatened birds, coastal and marine birds, and many raptors that are unlikely to occur close to the wind farm site. The number of species varied between the seasons from 44 to 55 at the monitored impact sites and from 22 to 36 at the reference sites (Table 3). Species composition and diversity was highest in spring and summer and lowest in autumn and winter. The increased species diversity in spring and summer is most likely due to the presence of migratory birds during the spring and summer months. The species diversity during the second year of monitoring was similar to that in 2015 and during preconstruction (BL&A 2016b). The continued species diversity indicates that little change in bird species use of the wind farm has occurred and would support the assumption that the operation of the wind farm has not altered habitat use, or deterred any species from utilising the wind farm site. Table 3: Species diversity during the four seasonal BUS at Gullen Range Wind Farm in 2016
Number of species Season Impact Reference
Autumn (10–18/05/2016) 44 22
Winter (25-31/07/2016) 44 28
Spring (03-09/10/2016) 54 36
Summer (01-06/12/2016) 55 33
Seasons combined 72 51
4.2.2. Species abundance The seasonal species abundance and height distribution data for the species observed utilising the eight impact and two reference observation points is detailed in Appendix 1. A summary of the impact point location data is presented in Table 5. The reference point location data is presented in Table 6. Both tables include a list of the species observed during the BUS in each of the four seasons, as well as the number of individuals per species recorded at each of the three height zones (below, at and above RSA height). The total number of birds observed at the impact points showed the following seasonal variation: Autumn 2084 birds; Winter 2055 birds; Spring 1358 birds; and
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Summer 2119 birds. Bird numbers were almost consistent between three of the seasons but were considerably lower during spring. The above trend is shown in the following figure (see Figure 4).
400.0
300.0 200.0 100.0
0.0
birds observed at observed birds Average number ofnumber Average
impact survey points survey impact Autumn Winter Spring Summer Season
Figure 4: Comparison of the average number of birds per season at the impact sites between the four seasons (Average ± SE) The lower count in spring could reasonably be due to natural causes related to the behaviour of the dominant birds or events in their life cycles. The spring survey was conducted during October when most of the birds (e.g. rosellas, magpies, cockatoos, and ravens) are heavily engaged in breeding and spread among breeding territories with limited activity around the wind farm. The apparent decrease is therefore a natural phenomenon and not related to turbine operations. This observation is supported by the summer BUS numbers at the impact sites showing heightened bird activity during the summer season on the wind farm site. The trend in bird abundance at the two reference sites were slightly different to that of the impact sites. Total bird numbers showed slight seasonal variation with lower bird numbers in summer: Autumn 736 birds; Winter 922 birds; Spring 835 birds; and Summer 595 birds.
The five most frequently observed species (dominant species) from the four seasonal impact site surveys and their overall importance (% numbers out of the total birds observed over the season total) are listed in Table 4 below.
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Table 4: List of the dominant bird species and their relative importance at the impact sites
All % Autumn % Winter % Spring % summer % seasons
Crimson Crimson Australian Raven 13.5 21.2 14.5 Crimson Rosella 11.3 16.8 Rosella Rosella Magpie spp.
Australian Australian Crimson Australian Australian 12.3 13.7 14.0 10.0 10.1 Magpie Magpie Rosella Magpie Magpie
Sulphur- Sulphur- Striated Striated Common crested 8.8 9.2 crested 13.1 8.0 8.5 Thornbill Thornbill Starling Cockatoo Cockatoo
Sulphur- Sulphur- Raven Common Buff-rumped 8.6 crested 6.8 10.3 7.5 crested 8.4 spp. Starling Thornbill Cockatoo Cockatoo
Common Yellow-rumped Raven Sulphur-crested Crimson 6.8 6.5 5.3 6.3 6.8 Starling Thornbill spp. Cockatoo Rosella
Total 50.0 57.4 57.2 43.1 50.6
* Percentage of species observation in relation to total number of bird observations Four of the five dominant species were common native farmland birds, the fifth species was an introduced species (Common Starling). In general these dominant species accounted for over 50 percent of all birds recorded utilising the wind farm site during the four BUS in 2016. As shown in Table 4, on a seasonal basis these dominant species accounted for: Autumn 57.4 percent; Winter 57.2 percent; Spring 43.1 percent; and Summer 50.6 percent. The dominant species were almost the same species throughout the year. Some seasonal variation was observed during the seasonal surveys, but overall crimson rosellas, magpies and sulphur crested cockatoos were consistently amongst the most common species in all seasons of the survey. At the reference points (Table 6), the five dominant species counted included (in order of abundance): Common Starling; Australian Magpie; Sulphur-crested Cockatoo; Australian Wood Duck; and Raven. The five dominant species recorded at the two reference sites accounted for more than 61 percent of all bird observations. The dominant species of birds on the reference sites were comparable to those recorded at the impact sites with the exception of the wood ducks. This difference is likely representative of the two reference sites which are located
Page | 33 Gullen Range Wind Farm – Annual Report Mar 2016 – Feb 2017 Report No. 14182 (28.2) close to small farm dams that have the potential to have heightened and localised duck activity. Table 7 shows the distribution of bird numbers across the 10 survey points. The combined total number of birds counted at the impact points (four seasons) varied between a minimum annual total of 594 birds at survey point 7 to a maximum annual total of 1209 birds at survey point 5. The survey points were selected as representative points within the wind farm. Whilst the survey points were selected as representative locations there is local environmental factors that have the potential to influence bird activity in the vicinity of the observation point. The higher numbers recorded at some of the survey points was primarily due to the presence of large numbers of bush birds in the woodland remnants surrounding the observation point or the occasional large flock of starlings moving over the counting area during the formal fixed-point bird count. The mix of bird species recorded at each survey point reflected the nature and type of habitat in the immediate area. At points with patches of native vegetation, such as remnant woodlands, more bush birds were encountered compared with points with open grazing paddocks with few or no trees.
Page | 34 Gullen Range Wind Farm – Annual Report Mar 2016 – Feb 2017 Report No. 14182 (28.2) Table 5: Number and height distribution of bird movements by species at the impact survey points during 2016 four seasonal BUS surveys Autumn survey Winter survey Spring Survey Summer survey Grand Totals Species A B C Total A B C Total A B C Total A B C Total A B C GT Crimson Rosella 437 4 0 441 288 0 0 288 153 0 0 153 144 0 0 144 1022 4 0 1026 Australian Magpie 283 3 0 286 294 4 0 298 132 4 0 136 214 0 0 214 923 11 0 934 Sulphur-crested Cockatoo 101 40 0 141 221 48 0 269 33 52 0 85 133 44 0 177 488 184 0 672 Raven spp. 85 20 0 105 84 25 0 109 62 21 0 83 344 12 0 356 575 78 0 653 Common Starling 64 16 0 80 211 0 0 211 44 0 0 44 180 0 0 180 499 16 0 515 Striated Thornbill 192 0 0 192 103 0 0 103 108 0 0 108 38 0 0 38 441 0 0 441 Yellow-rumped Thornbill 135 0 0 135 92 0 0 92 60 0 0 60 76 0 0 76 363 0 0 363 Buff-rumped Thornbill 106 0 0 106 20 0 0 20 102 0 0 102 60 0 0 60 288 0 0 288 Galah 48 16 0 64 61 6 0 67 29 3 0 32 39 8 0 47 177 33 0 210 Striated Pardalote 23 0 0 23 6 0 0 6 88 0 0 88 76 0 0 76 193 0 0 193 Brown Thornbill 47 0 0 47 50 0 0 50 50 0 0 50 40 0 0 40 187 0 0 187 White-winged Cough 49 0 0 49 62 0 0 62 22 0 0 22 23 0 0 23 156 0 0 156 Welcome Swallow 27 2 0 29 102 2 0 104 2 0 0 2 14 6 0 20 145 10 0 155 White-throated Treecreeper 68 0 0 68 44 0 0 44 0 0 0 0 38 0 0 38 150 0 0 150 Superb Fairywren 30 0 0 30 20 0 0 20 37 0 0 37 58 0 0 58 145 0 0 145 Australian Wood Duck 10 20 0 30 59 0 0 59 12 0 0 12 37 0 0 37 118 20 0 138 Laughing Kookaburra 37 0 0 37 52 0 0 52 9 0 0 9 39 0 0 39 137 0 0 137 Australian Pipit 25 0 0 25 12 0 0 12 16 0 0 16 71 0 0 71 124 0 0 124 Yellow-faced Honeyeater 6 0 0 6 0 0 0 0 62 0 0 62 56 0 0 56 124 0 0 124 Pied Currawong 14 0 0 14 31 0 0 31 21 0 0 21 30 0 0 30 96 0 0 96 White-browed Scrubwren 21 0 0 21 8 0 0 8 24 0 0 24 26 0 0 26 79 0 0 79 Red Wattlebird 8 0 0 8 4 0 0 4 21 0 0 21 30 0 0 30 63 0 0 63 Grey Shrike-thrush 12 0 0 12 9 0 0 9 3 0 0 3 23 0 0 23 47 0 0 47 European Goldfinch 18 0 0 18 20 0 0 20 6 0 0 6 0 0 0 0 44 0 0 44 Spotted Pardalote 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 33 0 0 33 10 0 0 10 43 0 0 43 Nankeen Kestrel 1 4 0 5 0 0 0 0 6 2 0 8 17 10 0 27 24 16 0 40
Page | 35 Gullen Range Wind Farm – Annual Report Mar 2016 – Feb 2017 Report No. 14182 (28.2) Autumn survey Winter survey Spring Survey Summer survey Grand Totals Species A B C Total A B C Total A B C Total A B C Total A B C GT White-naped Honeyeater 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 40 0 0 40 0 0 0 0 40 0 0 40 Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike 2 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 10 0 0 10 21 3 0 24 33 3 0 36 Varied Sittella 0 0 0 0 26 0 0 26 0 0 0 0 10 0 0 10 36 0 0 36 White-eared Honeyeater 17 0 0 17 4 0 0 4 6 0 0 6 8 0 0 8 35 0 0 35 Grey Fantail 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 8 0 0 8 26 0 0 26 34 0 0 34 Eastern Rosella 0 0 0 0 16 0 0 16 3 0 0 3 14 0 0 14 33 0 0 33 Brown-headed Honeyeater 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 0 0 5 26 0 0 26 31 0 0 31 Magpie-lark 6 2 0 8 8 0 0 8 4 0 0 4 6 0 0 6 24 2 0 26 Grey Currawong 6 0 0 6 14 0 0 14 1 0 0 1 4 0 0 4 25 0 0 25 Eastern Spinebill 10 0 0 10 0 0 0 0 11 0 0 11 2 0 0 2 23 0 0 23 Common Bronzewing 8 0 0 8 5 0 0 5 2 0 0 2 5 0 0 5 20 0 0 20 Noisy Friarbird 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 3 16 0 0 16 19 0 0 19 Eurasian Skylark 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 16 1 0 17 17 1 0 18 Tree Martin 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 2 6 10 0 16 8 10 0 18 White-faced Heron 3 0 0 3 1 1 0 2 4 0 0 4 8 0 0 8 16 1 0 17 White-fronted Chat 6 0 0 6 0 0 0 0 6 0 0 6 4 0 0 4 16 0 0 16 Yellow Thornbill 16 0 0 16 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 16 0 0 16 Silvereye 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 11 0 0 11 4 0 0 4 15 0 0 15 Noisy Miner 0 0 0 0 5 0 0 5 0 0 0 0 8 0 0 8 13 0 0 13 Red-rumped Parrot 0 12 0 12 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 12 0 12 Willie Wagtail 6 0 0 6 3 0 0 3 1 0 0 1 2 0 0 2 12 0 0 12 Wedge-tailed Eagle 0 3 0 3 2 3 0 5 0 2 0 2 0 1 0 1 2 9 0 11 Grey Butcherbird 3 0 0 3 4 0 0 4 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 2 9 0 0 9 Rufous Whistler 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 5 0 0 5 8 0 0 8
Crested Pigeon 0 0 0 0 7 0 0 7 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 7 0 0 7 Pacific Black Duck 0 0 0 0 6 0 0 6 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 7 0 0 7 Australian Shelduck 0 0 0 0 6 0 0 6 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 6 0 0 6
Page | 36 Gullen Range Wind Farm – Annual Report Mar 2016 – Feb 2017 Report No. 14182 (28.2) Autumn survey Winter survey Spring Survey Summer survey Grand Totals Species A B C Total A B C Total A B C Total A B C Total A B C GT Golden Whistler 6 0 0 6 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 6 0 0 6 Mistletoebird 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 0 0 5 0 0 0 0 5 0 0 5 Scarlet Robin 3 0 0 3 2 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 0 0 5 Brown Falcon 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 3 0 0 3 3 1 0 4 Fantail Cuckoo 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 0 0 4 4 0 0 4 Masked Lapwing 0 0 0 0 4 0 0 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 0 0 4 White-necked Heron 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 1 0 3 3 1 0 4 Little Corella 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 3 Flame Robin 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 2 Olive-backed Oriole 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 2 Peregrine Falcon 0 2 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 2 Sacred Kingfisher 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 1 2 0 0 2 Shining Bronze Cuckoo 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 2 2 0 0 2 Brown Goshawk 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 Leaden Flycatcher 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 1 Little Pied Cormorant 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 Whistling Kite 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 1 White-throated Gerygone 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 Grand Total 1940 144 0 2084 1966 89 0 2055 1268 90 0 1358 2022 97 0 2119 7196 420 0 7616 Notes: A = Below RSA height (<30 metres); B = At RSA height (30–130 metres); C = above RSA heights (.130 metres); GT = Grand Total.
Page | 37 Gullen Range Wind Farm – Annual Report Mar 2016 – Feb 2017 Report No. 14182 (28.2) Table 6: Number and height distribution of bird movements by species at the reference survey points during 2016 four seasonal BUS surveys Autumn survey Winter survey Spring survey Summer survey Grand totals Species A B C Tot. A B C Tot. A B C Tot. A B C Tot. A B C GT Common Starling 28 4 0 32 208 0 0 208 270 0 0 270 102 0 0 102 608 4 0 612 Australian Magpie 71 2 0 73 112 4 0 116 75 0 0 75 77 0 0 77 335 6 0 341 Sulphur-crested Cockatoo 202 14 0 216 32 19 0 51 28 9 0 37 31 2 0 33 293 44 0 337 Australian Wood Duck 74 0 0 74 90 0 0 90 82 0 0 82 74 0 0 74 320 0 0 320 Raven spp. 84 6 0 90 87 2 0 89 53 0 0 63 29 6 0 35 253 14 0 267 Welcome Swallow 20 0 0 20 92 0 0 92 2 0 0 2 68 0 0 68 182 0 0 182 Crimson Rosella 31 0 0 31 54 0 0 54 58 0 0 58 16 0 0 16 159 0 0 159 Galah 92 0 0 92 26 0 0 26 12 0 0 12 4 4 0 8 134 4 0 138 Red-rumped Parrot 34 0 0 34 36 0 0 36 15 0 0 15 10 0 0 10 95 0 0 95 European Goldfinch 0 0 0 0 52 0 0 52 0 0 0 0 36 0 0 36 88 0 0 88 Tree Martin 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 36 4 0 40 18 10 0 28 54 14 0 68 Yellow-rumped Thornbill 24 0 0 24 8 0 0 8 30 0 0 30 6 0 0 6 68 0 0 68 Eastern Rosella 12 0 0 12 18 0 0 18 10 0 0 10 8 0 0 8 48 0 0 48 Magpie-lark 16 0 0 16 8 0 0 8 6 0 0 6 14 0 0 14 44 0 0 44 Australian Pipit 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 2 5 0 0 5 28 0 0 28 35 0 0 35 Laughing Kookaburra 3 0 0 3 10 0 0 10 6 0 0 6 6 0 0 6 25 0 0 25 Pacific Black Duck 3 0 0 3 10 0 0 10 2 3 0 5 4 0 0 4 19 3 0 22 White-faced Heron 4 0 0 4 5 0 0 5 1 1 0 2 9 0 0 9 19 1 0 20 Yellow-faced Honeyeater 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 20 0 0 20 0 0 0 0 20 0 0 20 Striated Pardalote 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 2 17 0 0 17 0 0 0 0 19 0 0 19 Red Wattlebird 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 10 0 0 10 4 0 0 4 14 0 0 14 White-throated Treecreeper 2 0 0 2 4 0 0 4 8 0 0 8 0 0 0 0 14 0 0 14 Superb Fairywren 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 3 10 0 0 10 13 0 0 13 Little Corella 0 0 0 0 12 0 0 12 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 12 0 0 12 Willie Wagtail 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 1 5 0 0 5 4 0 0 4 11 0 0 11 Yellow-tailed Black-Cockatoo 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 10 0 0 10 0 0 0 0 10 0 0 10
Page | 38 Gullen Range Wind Farm – Annual Report Mar 2016 – Feb 2017 Report No. 14182 (28.2) Autumn survey Winter survey Spring survey Summer survey Grand totals Species A B C Tot. A B C Tot. A B C Tot. A B C Tot. A B C GT Brown-headed Honeyeater 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 9 0 0 9 0 0 0 0 9 0 0 9 Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike 2 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 5 0 0 5 0 0 0 0 7 0 0 7 Brown Thornbill 4 0 0 4 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 7 0 0 7 White-naped Honeyeater 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 7 0 0 7 0 0 0 0 7 0 0 7 White-winged Cough 0 0 0 0 7 0 0 7 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 7 0 0 7 Buff-rumped Thornbill 0 0 0 0 6 0 0 6 0 0 0 8 0 0 0 0 6 0 0 6 Striated Thornbill 0 0 0 0 6 0 0 6 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 6 0 0 6 Golden Whistler 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 0 0 5 0 0 0 0 5 0 0 5 Australian Shelduck 0 0 0 0 4 0 0 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 0 0 4 Grey Currawong 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 2 0 0 0 2 0 0 2 4 0 0 4
Grey Teal 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 0 0 4 4 0 0 4 Nankeen Kestrel 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 0 0 4 0 0 0 0 4 0 0 4 Scarlet Robin 2 0 0 2 2 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 0 0 4 Silvereye 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 0 0 4 0 0 0 0 4 0 0 4 Grey Butcherbird 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 2 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 3 Little Pied Cormorant 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 2 3 0 0 3 Restless Flycatcher 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 3 White-browed Scrubwren 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 3 Australian White Ibis 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 2 2 0 0 2 Grey Shrike-thrush 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 2 2 0 0 2 Brown Goshawk 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 1 Collared Sparrowhawk 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 1 Sacred Kingfisher 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 White-necked Heron 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 1
Grand Total 710 26 0 736 897 25 0 922 818 17 0 835 571 24 0 595 2996 92 0 3088 Notes: A = Below RSA height (<30 metres); B = At RSA height (30–130 metres); C = above RSA heights (.130 metres).
Page | 39 Gullen Range Wind Farm – Annual Report Mar 2016 – Feb 2017 Report No. 14182 (28.2) Table 7: Number of birds recorded at each survey point during the four seasonal BUS surveys Impact points Density Observation points Autumn Winter Spring summer Grand total % of total Birds/ha/hour P5 390 405 133 281 1209 15.9 12.0 P1 290 229 229 421 1169 15.3 11.6 P2 323 228 414 194 1159 15.2 11.5 P4 396 330 134 289 1149 15.1 11.4 P8 190 300 153 280 923 12.1 9.2 P6 211 220 137 191 759 10.0 7.5 P3 167 212 97 180 656 8.6 6.5 P7 117 131 61 285 594 7.8 5.9 Totals 2084 2055 1358 2121 7618 100.0 Reference points
R2 516 550 468 385 1919 62.1 19.1 R1 220 372 367 210 1169 37.9 11.6 Totals 736 922 835 595 3088 100.0 Grand Total 2820 2977 2193 2716 10706
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4.2.3. Flight heights Bird flight heights were classified as below (< 30 metres), at (30–130 metres), and above (> 130 metres). These heights are classified on the basis of the Rotor Swept Area (RSA) height for the turbines wind the wind farm. The number of birds recorded at the different flight heights are presented in Table 8. The raw data are presented in Appendix 5. The distribution of observed flight heights was largely consistent between the seasons with the majority of birds recorded flying below RSA heights (i.e. < 30 metres). Overall, at the impact sites: 94.5 percent of birds were below RSA; 5.5 percent at RSA; and 0 percent above RSA heights. 97 percent of the birds observed at the two reference points were recorded at below RSA heights (Table 8). Of the 5.5 percent of birds recorded flying at RSA heights, a total of 23 different species were identified across the eight impact sites and 10 species across the two reference sites (Table 9). The five most common species recorded flying at RSA heights across the impact sites were: . Sulphur-crested Cockatoo (184 birds). . Raven spp. (78 birds). . Galah (33 birds). . Australian Wood Duck (20 birds). . Nankeen Kestrel (16 birds). Four of the five species are common native farmland species. The exception is the Nankeen Kestrel which is a common small native bird of prey. These five species accounted for 78.9 percent of the 5.5 percent of birds observed flying at RSA height across the impact survey sites. This 5.5 percent of birds flying at RSA height was very similar to the two reference sites where a total of 3 percent of birds were identified flying at the RSA height.
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Table 8: Summary of birds recorded at the three flight heights during four seasonal BUS surveys Number of birds counted at impact points Number of birds counted at reference points % of all % of all Flight height Autumn Winter Spring Summer Total birds Autumn Winter Spring Summer Total birds Below RSA (<30 m) 1940 1966 1268 2022 7196 94.5 710 897 818 571 2996 97.0 At RSA (30-130 m) 144 89 90 97 420 5.5 26 25 17 24 92 3.0 Above RSA (>130 m) 0 0 0 0 0 0.0 0 0 0 0 0 0.0 Total birds counted 2084 2055 1358 2119 7616 100.0 736 922 835 595 3088 100.0
Table 9: Species flying at rotor swept height (RSA) at the impact sites during the four seasonal BUS surveys
Autumn* Winter Spring Summer Totals Total % RSA % RSA off % RSA of Species A B A B A B A B A B birds birds All RSA birds All birds Sulphur-crested Cockatoo 101 40 221 48 33 52 133 44 488 184 672 27.4 43.8 2.4 Raven spp. 85 20 84 25 62 21 344 12 575 78 653 11.9 18.6 1.0 Galah 48 16 61 6 29 3 39 8 177 33 210 15.7 7.9 0.4 Australian Wood Duck 10 20 59 0 12 0 37 0 118 20 138 14.5 4.8 0.3 Nankeen Kestrel 1 4 0 0 6 2 17 10 24 16 40 40.0 3.8 0.2 Common Starling 64 16 211 0 44 0 180 0 499 16 515 3.1 3.8 0.2 Red-rumped Parrot 0 12 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 12 12 100.0 2.9 0.2 Australian Magpie 283 3 294 4 132 4 214 0 923 11 934 1.2 2.6 0.1 Tree Martin 0 0 0 0 2 0 6 10 8 10 18 55.6 2.4 0.1 Welcome Swallow 27 2 102 2 2 0 14 6 145 10 155 6.5 2.4 0.1 Wedge-tailed Eagle 0 3 2 3 0 2 0 1 2 9 11 81.8 2.1 0.1 Crimson Rosella 437 4 288 0 153 0 144 0 1022 4 1026 0.4 1.0 0.1 Little Corella 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 3 3 100.0 0.7 0.0 Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike 2 0 0 0 10 0 21 3 33 3 36 8.3 0.7 0.0 Magpie-lark 6 2 8 0 4 0 6 0 24 2 26 7.7 0.5 0.0
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Autumn* Winter Spring Summer Totals Total % RSA % RSA off % RSA of Species A B A B A B A B A B birds birds All RSA birds All birds Peregrine Falcon 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 2 100.0 0.5 0.0 White-faced Heron 3 0 1 1 4 0 8 0 16 1 17 5.9 0.2 0.0 Brown Falcon 0 0 0 0 0 1 3 0 3 1 4 25.0 0.2 0.0 Brown Goshawk 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 1 100.0 0.2 0.0 Little Pied Cormorant 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 1 100.0 0.2 0.0 Eurasian Skylark 0 0 0 0 1 0 16 1 17 1 18 5.6 0.2 0.0 White-necked Heron 1 0 0 0 0 0 2 1 3 1 4 25.0 0.2 0.0 Whistling Kite 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 1 100.0 0.2 0.0 Grand Total 1940 144 1966 89 1268 90 2022 97 7196 420 7616 100.0 5.5
* A = birds below RSA heights; B = birds at RSA heights; no birds above RSA were recorded therefore not included in table.
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4.2.4. Raptors Six raptor species were recorded during the bird utilisation surveys, comprising 59 observations in total across the 10 survey locations. The presence of these raptors varied between the seasons and generally they were recorded in low numbers compared with other non-raptor species (Table 10). The raw data are presented in Appendix 5. he Nankeen Kestrel was the most abundant raptor species at Gullen Range Wind Farm, with many resident pairs observed flying throughout the wind farm. The Nankeen Kestrel often flew at RSA height, with 40% of Nankeen Kestrel flights observed at RSA height, making up 3.8 % of all birds flying at RSA height (Table 10). One Nankeen Kestrel carcass and one feather spot were recorded in 2016. Wedge-tailed Eagles (WTE) usually soar high, at or even sometimes above RSA heights. Of the 11 recorded occurrences of WTE during the four seasons of formal BUS counts in 2016, in nine of those occurrences the eagle was identified at RSA height (82%). WTE made up just 2.1 percent of the 420 birds recorded flying at RSA height (Table 10) in 2016. The number of raptors recorded was low in relation to the total number of birds recorded during the BUS, representing just 0.4 percent of all birds recorded at the wind farm at all flight heights (Table 10). Based on the low utilisation rate by raptor species at the impact survey points, risks to raptor species are considered to be low. Section 7 of this report provides details of additional raptor roaming and flight path surveys undertaken throughout the year. 4.2.5. Waterbirds Six waterbird species were recorded during the BUS surveys, comprising 173 observations in total (Table 10). Of these, approximately 80% were of the Australian Wood Duck. The Australian Wood Duck is a very common farmland waterbird that usually roosts along the edges of farm dams and forages in farm dams and open paddocks next to dams during day and night. They are gregarious birds, known to move and forage in flocks. Flocks of this species were observed at several farm dams throughout the Gullen Range Wind Farm. This species was not regularly observed flying at RSA heights though a flock of 20 birds was observed on one occasion flying at RSA height. The remaining waterbirds recorded at impact points were common species, including White-faced Heron, Pacific Black Duck, Australian Shelduck, Little Pied Cormorant and White-necked Heron. As observed during the 2016 surveys, the Gullen Range Wind Farm site contained many small farm dams and a low number of naturally occurring wetlands. Dams generally lacked aquatic vegetation and had bare edges trampled by stock. A natural boggy wetland in the northern section of Bannister attracted a few different waterbird species. None of the waterbirds observed at Gullen Range Wind Farm were listed threatened species.
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4.2.6. Listed species Almost all species of bird found to utilise the wind farm site were common species. Of the species recorded during the BUS the species below are listed as vulnerable under the NSW Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 (TSC Act). . Flame Robin (TSC Act: vulnerable) A pair of Flame Robin was observed at impact point 1 during the spring survey. This species is not a very common visitor to the wind farm site and would typically be expected to occur during autumn and winter, making the spring observation unusual.
. Scarlet Robin (TSC Act: vulnerable) The Scarlet Robin was observed on five occasions during the autumn and winter surveys. This species visits the study area at this time in low numbers, moving down from higher altitudes where they breed during the spring and summer. . Varied Sittella (TSC Act: vulnerable) The Varied Sittella was observed on several occasions during the winter and summer BUS survey at the impact points. This species has also been recorded incidentally outside the formal BUS from many other wooded localities within the wind farm site. . White-fronted Chat (TSC Act: vulnerable) This species was seen during the spring, summer and autumn surveys at various impact points. It is expected that this species would reside in the wind farm site all year round in small numbers. None of these species were recorded colliding with turbines at the Gullen Range Wind Farm. Future strikes of the above cited species are not expected as these species do not routinely fly at RSA height.
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Table 10: Raptor and Waterbird species recorded at survey points during four seasonal BUS surveys Raptor / waterbird total count from four seasons % of raptors/ % at % RSA of all % RSA Species / Raptors A B Grand Total waterbirds RSA RSA birds of all birds Nankeen Kestrel 24 16 40 67.8 40.0 3.8 0.2 Wedge-tailed Eagle 2 9 11 18.6 81.8 2.1 0.1 Brown Falcon 3 1 4 6.8 25.0 0.2 0.0 Peregrine Falcon 0 2 2 3.4 100.0 0.5 0.0 Brown Goshawk 0 1 1 1.7 100.0 0.2 0.0 Whistling Kite 0 1 1 1.7 100.0 0.2 0.0 Total raptors 29 30 59 100.0 50.8 7.1 0.4 Waterbirds Australian Wood Duck 118 20 138 79.8 14.5 4.8 0.3 White-faced Heron 16 1 17 9.8 5.9 0.2 0.0 Pacific Black Duck 7 0 7 4.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 Australian Shelduck 6 0 6 3.5 0.0 0.0 0.0 White-necked Heron 3 1 4 2.3 25.0 0.2 0.0 Little Pied Cormorant 1 0 1 0.6 0.0 0.0 0.0 Total waterbirds 151 22 173 100.0 12.7 5.2 0.3 Grand Total 7196 420 7616
* A = birds below RSA heights; B = birds at RSA heights; no birds above RSA were recorded therefore not included in table.
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5. BAT SURVEY
5.1. Previous Bat Utilisation Surveys
5.1.1. Pre-construction Surveys Four pre-construction bat utilisation surveys were undertaken in 2011 and 2012 by ngh environmental (2012b to 2012d) as part of the original approved BBAMP. These surveys were undertaken on the following dates: . 11th to 14th April 2011 – no details on site locations; . 27th February 2012 – two survey sites at Bannister (near BAN 21 and BAN 17); . 15th – 16th August 2012 – three survey sites at Pomeroy and Kialla (near POM 11, POM 03 and KIA 02); and . 24th – 25th October 2012– six survey sites throughout the wind farm site (near POM 07, KIA 02, POM 11, GUR 16, POM 23 and BAN 21). A total of 4,112 bat calls were recorded during these surveys (ngh environmental 2012b to 2012d). Most bats recorded were common species. Two threatened species - the Eastern Bentwing Bat (Threatened Species Conservation Act (TSC) listed) and the Large- eared Pied Bat (Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act (EPBC) and TSC Act listed) - were also recorded. The majority of Eastern Bentwing Bat calls were recorded during the spring survey. The low number of calls recorded in winter is not unexpected as many bat species hibernate during this time of year and many bats almost cease being active at this time of the year.
5.1.2. Previous Post-construction Surveys in 2015 BL&A conducted monthly bat surveys, as required in the original approved BBAMP, over a 12 month period in 2015 as part of the post-construction BBAMP implementation (BL&A 2016b). Surveys were conducted utilising ultrasonic bat detectors. Each survey was undertaken at five sites for at least five nights each month, totalling approximately 300 survey nights (or 3600 survey hours). Sites were located next to woodland habitat where bat activity levels are usually high. Survey sites included sites next to turbines BAN 03, BAN 28, POM 03, POM 18 and GUR 12 (see Figures 2 and 3). Bat calls were analysed by Dr. Greg Richards (Greg Richards and Associates Pty Ltd.). This analysis provided presence/absence data for common bat species at each survey site and call numbers for threatened bat species. Thirteen species of bats were recorded during the 2015 survey period utilising the wind farm site, including three threatened bat species. The threatened species comprised the two species previously identified during pre-construction surveys, being the Large-eared Pied Bat and the Eastern Bentwing Bat (Table 11), and the Eastern False Pipistrelle. The Eastern Bentwing Bat (EBB) utilises a range of habitats including woodlands, rainforest and open grasslands and occurs along the east and north-west coasts of Australia. Caves are its primary roosting habitat, but EBBs also use derelict mines, storm- water tunnels, buildings and other man-made structures (Churchill 2008). The identification of echolocation calls from microbats in Australia is facilitated by the fact that many calls are species-specific. However, not all species can be consistently or reliably identified using echolocation call identification. The identification of detector-
Page | 47 Gullen Range Wind Farm – Annual Report Mar 2016 – Feb 2017 Report No. 14182 (28.2) recorded calls of the EBB is difficult and often key salient call characters may not feature prominently in all recordings (G. Richards, pers. comm.). This leaves open the possibility that a call may belong to one of the known forest bat species (Vespadelus spp.), which features a call sound frequency which overlaps with that of the EBB. Calls that could not be identified definitively as either species were allocated to the category Bent-wing Bat/Forest Bat complex. The Large-eared Pied Bat is found mainly in areas with extensive cliffs and caves, from southern Queensland to the NSW Southern Highlands. It is generally rare with a very patchy distribution in NSW. There are scattered records from the New England Tablelands and North West Slopes (Churchill 2008). The Eastern False Pipistrelle is found on the south-east coast and ranges of Australia, from southern Queensland to Victoria and Tasmania. It generally roosts in the hollow trunks of eucalypt trees, but has also been found in old wooden buildings (Churchill 2008). The EBB and EBB/Forest Bat complex were the most frequently recorded of the listed threatened bat species during the 2015 surveys (Table 1). The comparatively higher number of recorded calls of this species during March and November (21 and 39) may indicate migration. The rate of EBB calls over the five non-migratory months was 1.04 calls per night compared to 6.0 calls per night in the two migratory periods (March and November). These call rates are very low compared to rates usually recorded for more common and widespread species, which can be many times higher depending on habitat type (BL&A, unpubl. data). Table 11: Threatened bat species calls recorded at GRWF during 2015 surveys
Common Average/n Scientific Name Jan Feb Mar Apr Oct Nov Dec Total Name ight
Miniopterus Eastern schreibersii 12 3 21 3 6 39 2 86 2.50 Bentwing Bat oceanensis
Bent-wing Miniopterus - Bat/Forest 20 16 54 7 24 73 4 198 5.60 Vespadelus Bat complex
Large-eared Chalinolobus 4 2 1 7 0.20 Pied Bat dwyeri
Eastern False Falsistrellus 4 3 1 8 0.22 Pipistrelle tasmaniensis
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5.1.3. Conclusions from Pre-construction and 2015 Surveys The conclusions from the pre-construction and 2015 post-construction bat surveys at the Gullen Range Wind Farm area are summarised below. Thirteen bat species were recorded utilising the wind farm site, including three threatened bat species; Two threatened bat species were recorded in the pre-construction surveys, the Eastern Bentwing Bat (EBB) and Large-eared Pied Bat; Three threatened bat species were recorded in 2015 after operations commenced: EBB, Large-eared Pied Bat, Eastern False Pipistrelle; The recordings of the EBB and the complex that includes this species were more frequent in spring and autumn 2015, during the migration periods; Overall, very small numbers of calls were recorded for the three threatened species compared with more common, widespread bat species; and The results suggest strongly that the site is not near a maternity or roosting cave for EBB, which would have resulted in a much higher frequency of calls from this species as EBB usually migrate in large numbers.
5.2. The 2016 bat surveys Two bat utilisation survey periods were required under the revised BBAMP (BL&A 2016a) to determine the use of bats of the wind farm site and whether EBB is migrating in substantial numbers through the GRWF. The aim of the two bat surveys, being early autumn and late spring , in 2016 was primarily to determine the level of activity on the GRWF site of threatened and Threatened Species Conservation Act (TSC) listed bat species, with particular focus on EBB during its migration season. EBB is distributed throughout the NSW coast and Great Dividing Range and breeds in large maternity colonies numbering in the thousands in a cave at Wee Jasper, approximately 90 kilometres south-west of GRWF. The bats typically migrate to maternity caves from the coast and other wintering grounds between late October and early November, and migrate back from maternity caves back to the coast or wintering grounds during February and March. The two bat utilisation surveys required in the approved revised BBAMP (BL&A 2016a) involved surveying for several weeks in representative habitats across the wind farm site. Surveying is undertaken at ground level and at nacelle height (80 metres) on two turbines during the survey periods. More details on these surveys are provided in the next section.
5.3. Methodology of 2016 surveys
5.3.1. Timing The timing of the 2016 surveys was determined in consultation with Dr Doug Mills of the Office of Environment and Heritage, Queanbeyan. Dr Mills has been closely monitoring EBB migration and breeding at the Church (Wee Jasper) and Drum caves in NSW (the nearest known maternity caves to the wind farm site) and the migration dates below are based on information Dr Mills kindly provided.
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Autumn 2016: The bat survey was undertaken from 14th March to 4th April 2016. The survey recorded over 143 detector-nights, totalling 1,716 recording hours. The autumn migration of the EBB started in the week beginning the 14th March 2016 and finished by 31st March 2016. Spring 2016: The bat survey was undertaken from 10th to 30th November 2016. This survey recorded over 176 detector-nights, totalling 2,112 recording hours. The autumn migration of the EBB started in the week beginning the 10th November 2016 and finished by the 1st December 2016. The above two surveys comprised a significantly greater effort during the migration time of the EBB, when this species is more likely to be present on the site, than during previous surveys. In this way, the survey was more likely to detect presence than the surveys in 2015.
Site selection The ‘as-built’ layout of the GRWF was reviewed by BL&A and sites were selected based on known habitat to ensure a representative sample of habitats was surveyed. The site selection sought to: . Provide coverage of a diversity of habitats, ranging from open pasture to forested areas; . Provide even coverage of the wind farm site; and . Provide coverage of exposed areas and sheltered areas. Six ground sites were selected representing the dominant habitats. In addition, two turbines were chosen close to forested areas on which simultaneous recordings were made, involving two bat detectors: one at nacelle height (approx. 80 meters) and one at ground level. Overall 10 bat detectors at 8 sites were used during this survey. The location and characteristics of the recording sites are described below and shown in Figures 2 and 3. Site1: The bat detector was set on a tree on the edge of small size remnant woodland overlooking wide, open grassland. The site was close to turbine BAN13 (north section). Site 2: The site was in a similar setting to site 1. The bat detector was set on a tree on the side of a small woodland overlooking an open grassy valley and cleared fields. Close to turbine BAN27. Site 3: Set on tree on the edge of a large woodland and overlooking open fields. Close to turbine POM3. Site 4: Set on a tree on the edge of a large woodland remnant and overlooking open field. Close to turbine POM18. Site 5: Set on a single tree in the middle of open fields and on top of a small hill. Close to turbine GUR12. Site 6: Turbine BAN02 including, a) nacelle height (80m) and b) ground level, close to a small woodland. Site 7: Turbine GUR04 including, a) nacelle height (80m) and b) ground level, on a hill ridge within open fields and small remnant patches of woodland.
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Site 8: On the edge of large remnant woodland overlooking a valley and some open grassland, between turbines POM22 and POM23. Three models of bat detectors were used for recording: the SongMeter SM2+ 2 with external microphone, the SongMeter SMZC with internal microphone and the Anabat SD2. At the two wind turbines (BAN02 and GUR02), the detector mounted at nacelle height was SongMeter SMZC. The detector was set on the outside of the nacelle, at the rear. Both turbines were operational for the duration of both survey periods.
5.3.2. Recording protocol The recording protocol for the 2016 survey is summarised below: . Eight bat detectors were installed by a qualified zoologist experienced in the operation of this equipment; . Two bat detectors were set up by a qualified zoologist experienced in the operation of this equipment and fitted, with oversight by the zoologist, by service technicians from Goldwind (Australia) on the back of the turbine nacelle. . SongMeters and Anabats were set to begin recording 30 minutes before dusk and stop recording 30 minutes after sunrise; and . After two weeks, the batteries and the SD cards in the bat detectors were changed by a qualified zoologist experienced in the operation of this equipment. After the bat detectors were removed, the SD cards holding the recorded data were removed and the data transferred onto computers for later analysis.
5.3.3. Call analysis Recorded bat calls were identified by Dr Greg Richards from Greg Richards & Associates. Call identification was undertaken using the standard practice for identifying bat calls, where the characteristics of site-recorded bat calls were compared with reference calls from known species recorded across Australia. Identification is largely based on the sonogram generated by the bat detector software that shows changes to the sound frequency of calls over time. For most species, a call sequence of at least one second in duration (approximately 20 pulses in the sequence) is required before confident identification can be made. The following process was used in the call analysis: . All files were screened visually to identify any call that could belong to a threatened bat species (EPBC listed or TSC Act listed); and . As a precautionary measure all calls were allocated to species or species complexes when species could not be confidently identified. Call analysis comprised identifying bat species present and the total numbers of calls attributed to threatened species and the common White-striped Freetail Bat (Austronomus australis) (WSFB), at each survey site. The White-striped Freetail Bat was targeted in the analysis because it was a species, known to be present at the wind farm, that is most likely to be found flying at heights above 50 m (i.e. within the 30-130m RSA) where it is exposed to a risk of collision with operating turbines.
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5.3.4. Limitations The identification of echolocation calls from microbats in south-eastern Australia is facilitated by the fact that many calls are species-specific (see Section 5.1.2). Calls that could not be identified definitively as either were allocated to the category Bent-wing Bat/Forest Bat (EBB/FB) species complex. A limitation in the use of this technique is that it is not possible to census bat numbers. For example, 10 calls of a particular species may be recorded but it is not known if this represents 10 individuals of that species or one individual of that species flying past the bat recorder 10 times. Therefore, it is not possible to determine utilisation rates, only activity levels and species presence / absence information. Occasionally recording devices, such as those used in the survey, experience technical difficulties - these difficulties are not uncommon. As a result of technical issues short periods of time within the survey period may not be recorded. Battery replacement activities are undertaken in part to allow for the detector to be checked at least once in the survey period to minimise the risk of recording failure. During the autumn survey, turbine BAN02 nacelle height (80 metres) failed to record from 16th – 22nd March. Additionally, turbine BAN02 ground level and turbine GUR04 ground level data was not recorded for 14th March. Other sites recorded for the duration of their battery life with one failing on 1st April and another lasting to 6th April, but on average most detectors recorded for the full survey period from the 14th March until 4th April. During the spring survey, there were no records at site 8 from the 18th to the 29th November, and also no records for four nights at ground level at site 7 (GUR04). The remaining sites recorded calls over the duration of the survey from the 10th to 30th November. The bat detectors used during this survey sample a limited airspace to a distance of approximately 20-30 metres from the detector itself. Finally, bat activity levels may vary in response to weather variables such as air temperature, relative humidity, barometric pressure, wind characteristics (speed, direction and gusts), rain and moonlight. Typically, bats are found to be less active during the following circumstances (G. Richards; pers. comm.): . During periods of full moon, and when the moon is high in the sky; . At higher wind speeds a decrease in activity may be observed at wind speeds over 10 metres per second (recognising recordings at higher wind speed may be attenuated); and . During moderate to heavy rainfall.
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5.4. Results of 2016 surveys
5.4.1. Species composition and distribution Thirteen bat species and one species complex were identified over the years 2011 to 2016 on the Gullen Range Wind Farm (Table 12). The vast majority of calls identified were from common species of bats that are not of conservation concern (i.e. are not listed as rare or threatened under any federal or state legislation). Nine of the species were of regular occurrence, found in almost all surveys undertaken and at most times of the year, though some species were more common than others (see Table 12). Four species were recorded onsite that are listed as ‘vulnerable’ in NSW (TSC Act 1995). These were the Eastern Bentwing Bat (EBB), Eastern False Pipistrelle (EFP), Large-eared Pied Bat (LPB) and Yellow-bellied Sheathtail Bat (YSB). The threatened species were uncommon and appeared in small numbers at certain times of the year. The YSB was recorded on the Gullen Range Wind Farm for the first time during the spring 2016 survey. It is noteworthy that the Large-eared Pied Bat (LPB) was not recorded in 2016 despite being recorded in earlier surveys (Table 12).. One species complex was also recorded: Eastern Bentwing Bat/Forest Bat Complex (EBB/FB). This category recognises that calls are sometimes indistinguishable between these species and could be either. They have been conservatively recorded as EBB for the purposes of this report. The bat species recorded during the 2016 EBB autumn and spring migration times were consistent with those recorded on the wind farm both prior to construction (2011–2012) and post construction (2015), except for the appearance for the first time of the threatened YSB, and the lack of records of the LPB in 2016. The LPB is apparently a summer visitor to the area as it was recorded in 2015 only during January, February and March, periods outside of the 2016 autumn and spring surveys on the wind farm. Based on the analysed data the operation of the wind farm has not affected bat diversity on the wind farm site. In 2016, similar species of bat previously recorded continued to utilise the wind farm site, with the addition of YSB in the latest survey (spring 2016). Table 12: Bat species frequenting Gullen Range Wind Farm Bat species recorded during
Common names Scientific names Autumn Spring All year 2011- Conservation 2016 2016 2015 2012 status Miniopterus s. Eastern Bentwing Bat X X X X Vulnerable oceanensis EBB/Forest Bat Miniopterus/Vespadel X X X X Complex us spp. White-striped Freetail Austronomus australis X X X X Common Bat Eastern False Falsistrellus X X X X Vulnerable Pipistrelle tasmaniensis Gould's Wattled Bat Chalinolobus gouldii X X X X Common Chocolate Wattled bat Chalinolobus morio X X X X Common Eastern Freetail bat Mormopterus ridei X X X X Common Long-eared Bat spp. Nyctophilus spp. X X X X Common Inland Broad-nosed Bat Scotorepens balstoni X X X X Common Large Forest Bat Vespadelus darlingtoni X X X X Common
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Bat species recorded during
Common names Scientific names Autumn Spring All year 2011- Conservation 2016 2016 2015 2012 status Southern Forest Bat Vespadelus regulus X X X X Common Little Forest Bat Vespadelus vulturnus X X X X Common Yellow-bellied Saccolaimus - X - - Vulnerable Sheathtail Bat flaviventris Large-eared Pied Bat Chalinolobus dwyeri - - X X Vulnerable
The spring 2016 bat data was analysed in more detail to allow a comparison of the occurrence of bat species recorded at the eight sites (see Table 13). This analysis was not possible for the autumn 2016 data as the bat call analysis did not include species data per day for common species. The table shows that bat species recorded in spring 2016 varied in their presence between sites. The frequency of occurrence varied between 15.1 to 83.5 percent of active days from the total 143 detector-recording days for common bats. The activity level of threatened bat species was much lower with frequencies of 0.7 to 1.4 percent of active days from the total detector-recording days. This analysis indicates that threatened bat species occurred far less frequently that the common, abundant species, strongly suggesting that the wind farm does not represent significant habitat for the threatened bat species. The frequency of threatened bat species is consistent with the pre-construction recordings supporting that the presence of suitable habitat, and not the wind farm itself, is an influencing factor on their presence and distribution. The four most common species on the wind farm in spring 2016, as presented in the order of activity levels (number of nights recorded), were: Southern Forest Bat (83.2%), Chocolate Wattled Bat (64.3%), Large Forest Bat (61.5%), and Eastern Freetail Bat (61.5%). The White-striped Freetail Bat, a species of special interest as it is known to fly above 50m and within the RSA, was also frequently recorded (45.5%). Table 13: Frequency of bat records at the eight ground recording sites during spring 2016
No. of nights bats recorded at sites Total % Species of bats days Occupancy Site 1 Site 2 Site 3 Site 4 Site 5 Site 6 Site 7 Site 8
Eastern 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0.7 Bentwing Bat EBB/Forest Bat 5 2 1 2 1 1 2 1 15 10.5 spp. complex White-striped 9 17 14 6 5 2 9 3 65 45.5 Freetail Bat Eastern False 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 2 1.4 Pipistrelle Gould’s 3 3 7 7 2 2 7 4 35 24.5 Wattled Bat Chocolate 17 16 9 18 15 1 11 5 92 64.3 Wattled Bat Eastern 7 14 11 14 17 7 12 6 88 61.5 Freetail Bat Long-eared 17 10 8 8 15 12 3 3 76 53.1 Bat spp. Inland 14 8 9 7 9 13 0 0 60 42.0 Broad-nosed Bat
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No. of nights bats recorded at sites Total % Species of bats days Occupancy Site 1 Site 2 Site 3 Site 4 Site 5 Site 6 Site 7 Site 8
Large Forest Bat 14 19 11 19 11 2 7 5 88 61.5 Southern 19 20 14 18 15 17 10 6 119 83.2 Forest Bat Little Forest Bat 2 3 8 1 1 0 6 0 21 14.7 Yellow-bellied 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0.7 Sheathtail Bat Total days of 20 20 15 20 20 20 20 8 143 recordings
5.4.2. Threatened Bats Threatened bat species presence and the individual number of calls recorded during the autumn and spring 2016 surveys are documented in Table 14. By contrast with common species, the recorded calls of threatened bat species were individually counted during both the autumn and spring surveys allowing for their activity levels to be compared between species and sites. Capturing the individual number of calls allows for the call data for threatened species to be compared with those recorded during the 2015 surveys. Three species of threatened bats were recorded in addition to one species complex which involve a threatened species. The significance of these species is discussed below.
Eastern Bentwing Bat (EBB) This species is listed as Vulnerable under the NSW TSC Act 1995. It breeds communally in maternity caves. Two important maternity caves are Church cave at Wee Jasper and Drum cave in the Bungonia State Conservation Area. The EBB undertakes two migrations each year: an autumn migration (usually March) from the maternity caves to its wintering grounds and a spring migration, back to its maternity caves for summer breeding (usually November). The two journeys take them across many habitats and occasionally over operating wind farms where they may be at risk of collision with operating wind turbines. The nearest maternity cave to Gullen Range Wind Farm is the Church cave, near the township of Yass. Over 40,000 bats were counted in these caves during the 2014–2015 summer (D. Mills, OEH; pers. comm.) EBB uses a broad range of habitats, including tall forests, dry or wet sclerophyll forests or grasslands. In forested areas it flies high over the canopy; in more open areas, such as grasslands, it usually flies within 6 metres of the ground (Churchill 2008).
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Table 14: Distribution of calls of the threatened bat species and White-striped Freetail Bat (not threatened)
Number of calls aver. Species of Total Aver. Site Site Site Site per bats* Site 4 Site 5 Site 6 Site 7 calls per site 1 2 3 8 hour Autumn Survey 2016 (176 nights of recording, 2112 hours) Eastern 3 7 7 3 0 0 1 18 39 0.2 4.9 Bentwing Bat EBB/Forest Bat 2 3 9 14 0 0 5 25 58 0.3 7.3 spp. complex Eastern False 0 0 1 0 0 2 0 0 3 0.0 0.4 Pipistrelle Yellow-bellied 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.0 0.0 Sheathtail Bat White-striped 0 0 73 207 7 1 2 241 531 2.9 66.4 Freetail Bat Spring Survey 2016 (143 nights of recording, 1644 hours) Eastern 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0.0 0.1 Bentwing Bat EBB/Forest Bat 35 7 1 4 1 1 2 3 54 0.3 6.8 spp. complex Eastern False 0 1 0 0 0 0 3 0 4 0.0 0.5 Pipistrelle Yellow-bellied 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0.0 0.3 Sheathtail Bat White-striped 13 311 251 55 27 3 65 658 1383 8.9 172.9 Freetail Bat * The threatened Large-eared Pied Bat was not recorded during 2016 surveys. As mentioned in the methods section (5.2.1), the two 2016 surveys where planned to coincide with the migration time of the EBB, and therefore those recorded during the surveys are likely to have originated from the Church and Drum caves. The EBB was the most frequently recorded threatened species during autumn migration with 39 positively identified calls from the eight recording sites. This was not the case in spring when only one positively identified call was recorded. During the 2015 surveys (Table 11) the EBB was also the most frequently recorded threatened bat species in both March and November 2015 compared with other months in which bat surveys were undertaken. The 2015 data helps to corroborate known migration times and confirm that it is at these times that the EBB may be most exposed to wind turbine collision risk. The single call during the spring survey might indicate that the bats may follow different routes during each migration. This was observed at other wind farms in the area, where EBB numbers passing through the wind farm were different between two years of observations (G. Richards, pers. comm.). Calls identified from the EBB/FB complex could belong to any of the two species/groups. It is likely, however, that most of the calls in this group belong to the Forest Bat group as this species is far more abundant than the EBB (Table 14). The EBB/FB complex calls were common calls made at the same time as the EBB during the autumn survey but were much more common than EBB in spring survey period. In general, EBB and EBB/FB complex calls were from sites adjacent to large patches of woodlands.
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Other threatened bats The remaining threatened bats at the wind farm site included the Eastern False Pipistrelle, Yellow-bellied Sheathtail Bat and Large-eared Pied Bat. All of these were rather rare and very few calls were recorded. Calls of the EFP were recorded on three occasions in autumn and four in spring indicating very low activity on the wind farm compared to the other common species of bats. The YSB was recorded from two calls in spring. These two calls were the first record of the species at the wind farm site. The last of the threatened bats, the LPB, was not present during the 2016 surveys, but was previously recorded (7 calls) during the 2015 surveys (Table 12). As cited earlier, the timing for the two 2016 surveys coincided with EBB migration and occurred outside of the periods where data for LPB was previously recorded onsite (summer – January, February and March).
White-striped Freetail Bat This species is one of most common and widespread species of bats in southeast Australia. It has been regularly recorded in many of the wind farms in the area. It is of special interest as it is the most commonly known bat to fly at heights over 50 metres and is therefore exposed to the risk of collision with operating wind turbines more than most bat species (see more on flight heights below). Table 14 shows that the frequency of daily recording of the WFB is almost comparable to the other common species of bats.
5.4.3. Flight heights Understanding bat flight heights has been helpful in appreciating the extent to which they may collide with operating wind turbines. Concurrent recordings of bat calls were made at two operating turbines, at the ground level and at 80 metres above ground from the outside (back) of the wind turbine nacelle cabin. Turbines used for this purpose were BAN02 in the northern section, and GUR04 in the southern section of the wind farm site. Data collected from these recordings are summarised in Table 15 and depicted graphically in Figure 5. Table 15 shows that the different bat species flew at different heights. The majority of the common species flew close to the ground avoiding the RSA (lower edge 30m above ground), while the White-striped Freetail Bat (WFB) was almost exclusively the species flying at rotor swept area heights (30–130 m) or at the 80 metre recording level. A few calls of the Southern Forest Bat and Eastern Freetail Bat were also recorded at 80 metres but in much lower activity levels compared with ground level recordings. Given these findings, it is not surprising that the WFB is the bat most commonly found dead under turbines (see Section 6). No threatened species were recorded at 80 metres above the ground and no threatened species of bats have been found during the carcass searches over the two years of post-construction monitoring.
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Table 15: Concurrent recording of bat calls from 80 metres above ground and ground level Autumn 2016 survey Spring 2016 survey Species of bats At 80 m Ground At 80 m Ground 36 av./ 28 av./ 16 av./ 16 av./ nights night nights night nights night nights night White-striped Freetail Bat 114 3.2 1 0.0 161 10.1 5 0.3 Southern Forest Bat 13 0.4 70 1.9 11 0.7 107 6.7 Eastern Freetail Bat 9 0.3 58 1.6 4 0.3 26 1.6 Gould's Wattled Bat 1 0.0 1 0.0 0 0.0 11 0.7 Eastern Bentwing Bat 0 0.0 2 0.1 0 0.0 0 0.0 EBB/Forest Bat complex 0 0.0 2 0.1 0 0.0 1 0.1 Eastern False Pipistrelle 0 0.0 2 0.1 0 0.0 3 0.2 Chocolate Wattled Bat 0 0.0 17 0.5 0 0.0 140 8.8 Longeared Bat spp. 0 0.0 70 1.9 0 0.0 6 0.4 Inland Broad-nosed Bat 0 0.0 8 0.2 0 0.0 5 0.3 Large Forest Bat 0 0.0 5 0.1 0 0.0 12 0.8 Little forest Bat 0 0.0 64 1.8 0 0.0 5 0.3
300
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Figure 5: Comparison of bat calls recorded concurrently from ground level and at 80 m above ground
5.5. Conclusions The bat survey work undertaken during the migratory season of the EBB in 2016 has added to findings from the earlier surveys in 2011/2012 and 2015. The conclusions from these surveys are summarised as follows: Thirteen bat species and one species complex were identified over the years (2011 – 2016) utilising the Gullen Range Wind Farm, including four species listed as
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vulnerable on the NSW TSC Act 1995: the Eastern Bentwing Bat (EBB), the Eastern False Pipistrelle, Yellow-bellied Sheathtail Bat (YSB) and Large-eared Pied Bat (LPB). The threatened species were recorded in relatively small numbers at certain times of the year. The YSB was recorded for the first time in spring 2016 and the LPB was recorded in earlier surveys (summer) but not during autumn and spring surveys in 2016. The EBB was the most frequently recorded threatened species during autumn migration but likely to be much less frequent during the spring migration. The presence of these bats at this time of the year confirms findings of earlier surveys (2015) that the species is a passage migrant through the wind farm site during its migration season, albeit likely in relatively low numbers given the comparatively low occurrence (number of nights) and numbers of calls recorded. The spring data may support an observation that the return migration (spring) follows an alternate route, with lower numbers recorded in spring monitoring than in the autumn monitoring in 2016. Bats differed in flight height: the White-striped Freetail Bat was by far the most frequently recorded bat species at RSA height. Three other species were also recorded at RSA heights: the Southern Forest Bat, the Eastern Freetail Bat and Gould’s Wattled Bat, but far less frequently. No threatened bat species were recorded at RSA height. All of the remaining bat species were recorded at heights below RSA (below 30 m) and are therefore considered to be exposed to a lower level of risk of collision with operating wind turbines.
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6. BIRD AND BAT MONITORING PROGRAM
6.1. Methodology for the carcass searches The methods used in 2016 are outlined in detail in the approved BBAMP (BL&A 2016a). They are summarised below.
6.1.1. Carcass searches From March 2016 to February 2017, monthly carcass searches were carried out at 24 turbines and five reference sites each month. Each site was searched twice each month during a five-day search period. Turbines were selected based on a stratified random sampling design at the beginning of the implementation of the revised BBAMP, by choosing 8 random turbines from each of the larger wind farm sections (Bannister (BAN), Pomeroy (POM) and Gurrundah (GUR)) listed below. The Kialla (KIA) section was not included as it contains only two turbines. The following turbines were searched each month. BAN 02 POM 01 GUR 01 BAN 05 POM 04 GUR 04 BAN 07 POM 08 GUR 07 BAN 11 POM 10 GUR 09 BAN 13 POM 13 GUR 11 BAN 15 POM 14 GUR 12 BAN 21 POM 17 GUR 13 BAN 26 POM 20 GUR 17
The search areas were as follows (see Figure 6): . Up to a 100 metres radius from the turbine tower base for the initial search of each turbine; . Up to a 60 metres radius (the inner zone) for the second (pulse) search. Inner zone searches target carcasses of bats and small birds, as well as medium and large sized birds. Walking search transects are spaced every six metres within this zone. The inner zone was searched again within three days. The outer zone targets larger-bodied birds that can fall further from turbines, and comprises the zone between the 60 metre and 100 metre radius circles. Walking search transects in the outer zone are spaced at 12 metre intervals and carried out from the edge of the inner zone out to the edge of the outer zone. Given that the defined transect spacing and total search area are based on experience and evidence from previous studies (e.g. Arnett et al. 2005, Hull and Muir 2010) they are considered to be adequate to detect bats and the bird species of concern highlighted in the BBAMP (BL&A 2016a). Carcasses collected under turbines during the formal searches and under the pre- determined turbines were used to calculate the mortality rate at the wind farm. In addition, carcasses incidentally found outside the formal search time or under the non- targeted turbines were collected and used as an indication of the diversity of bat and birds killed by the operating turbines. These incidental finds did not contribute to the mortality estimate as they were outside the formal searches.
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Figure 6: Inner and outer carcass search zones underneath the turbines
6.1.2. Correction factors for carcass searches The revised BBAMP (BL&A 2016a) states that searcher efficiency and scavenger trials (respectively) are to be undertaken twice a year during post-construction monitoring. The objective of having two annual trials is to account for the different vegetation conditions with one being undertaken when the grass is short (July) and the other when the grass is long (November). Based on experience, grass is expected to be longest in late spring (November), following post-winter rainfall and higher ambient and soil temperatures. Grass is expected to be short during the colder months of winter (July), or when stock have been grazing an area.
6.1.3. Searcher efficiency trial Two searcher efficiency trials were undertaken, the first on 5th July 2016 and the second on 13th November 2016. The searcher efficiency trials were undertaken to assess the efficiency of the observers Khalid Al–Dabbagh and Curtis Doughty (zoologists with BL&A), who conducted the carcass searches at Gullen Range Wind Farm during 2016. Weather conditions during both trials were good, being of moderate temperature and overcast with a gentle wind. One bird and one bat were placed under each of the ten pre-selected turbines at both the Bannister and Pomeroy sections of the wind farm. The turbines pre-selected for both the searcher efficiency and scavenger trials are listed below.
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. BAN 02 . BAN 07 . BAN 11 . BAN 13 . BAN 15 . POM 01 . POM 04 . POM 08 . POM 13 . POM 14 or POM 10. During the July 2016 trial POM 14 was used and during the November 2016 trial POM 10 was used. Observer 1 placed the carcasses at Bannister for observer 2 to search and observer 2 placed the carcasses at Pomeroy for observer 1 to search. The positions of the placed carcasses were randomly generated using the Microsoft Excel® random number function within a 50 metre radius of each turbine. The 20 carcasses used for this trial were those retrieved from previous carcass searches, as well as road killed bird carcasses collected in preceding months and stored in a freezer at the wind farm office. During the November trials, there was a shortage of bats and house mice were used to simulate bats. A total of ten carcasses were used for each observer. This included five bats (or mouse replacement) and five birds (see Table 16). The observer searched all turbines within two hours of the carcasses being placed and recorded the number of carcasses found on the first search. The observer efficiency was calculated as the percentage of carcasses found of those placed based on the pooled results from both seasonal trials. The results of the efficiency trials are included in section 6.2.3. Table 16: Species of carcasses used in searcher efficiency and scavenger trials
Observer 1 (Curtis Doughty) Observer 2 (Khalid Al-Dabbagh) July 2016 Trial Bats Birds Bats Birds White-striped Freetail Bat Australian Magpie White-striped Freetail Bat Australian Magpie White-striped Freetail Bat Australian Magpie White-striped Freetail Bat Australian Magpie White-striped Freetail Bat Grey Shrike Thrush White-striped Freetail Bat Noisy Miner White-striped Freetail Bat Crimson Rosella White-striped Freetail Bat Crimson Rosella Gould's Wattled Bat Raven White-striped Freetail Bat Sulphur-crested Cockatoo November 2016 Trial Large Forest Bat Australian Magpie House Mouse Australian Magpie Gould's wattled Bat Crimson Rosella Large Forest Bat Crimson Rosella House Mouse Australian Wood Duck Large forest Bat Crimson Rosella White-striped Freetail Bat Australian Magpie Gould's wattled Bat Australian Magpie House Mouse Raven spp. House Mouse Australian Wood Duck
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6.1.4. Scavenger trial The average duration of carcasses in the field prior to being removed by scavengers contributes to an essential correction factor required for the calculation of bird and bat mortality rates at wind farms. The first scavenger trial was undertaken from the 5th July to 4th August 2016 and the second from 13th November to 13th December 2016. Both trials lasted 30 days. Twenty carcasses were placed at ten pre-selected turbines, selected using the process described for the searcher efficiency trial. Carcasses were monitored daily each morning for the first five days. They were then monitored on days 7, 9, 12, 15, 21, 24 and 30 for the July trial and on the first five days, then days 8, 10, 12, 15, 19, 24 and 30 for the November trial. The slight difference in the days of the searches between the two trails was due to logistic constraints. Not all carcasses were removed by scavengers by day 30. In this scenario if a carcass was still present on site at day 30 it was assumed it was taken by day 30 and the experiment is terminated. The average duration in days that carcasses remained on the ground before being taken by a scavenger was then calculated for birds and bats separately, pooling the results of the two seasonal trials.
6.2. Carcass search results, March 2016 to February 2017 The results of the bird and bat carcass searches between March 2016 and February 2017 at Gullen Range Wind Farm are summarised in Table 17. The table shows the number of carcasses and feather spots found during formal searches, and incidental finds by BL&A or wind farm personnel when roaming the wind farm site.
6.2.1. Birds A total of 24 bird carcasses were found, 14 during the formal carcass search program (see Table 3) and 10 incidentally. Additionally, nine feather spots were recorded during the formal searches. The distribution of these finds among the 12 months of search is shown in Figure 5. The bird carcasses were found on a regular basis almost every month. One or two birds were found each month, except for June and July 2016 (none found) when birds were less active. All species identified by either carcasses or feather spots were common bird species. No birds with Federal or State conservation status were identified during the 2016 carcass searches. Incidental carcasses were also almost evenly distributed among the 12 months of the search, with the exception of three incidental carcass finds during September 2016. Most feather spots were found during the warmer months and none were found between June and November. Feather spots reflect the activity of both the birds and their scavengers. The number of carcasses found (formal searches, including feather spots, and incidental finds) was lower during the March 2016 to February 2017 search programme (Table 17) compared with the March 2015 to February 2016 results (BL&A 2016b). This is in part because the revised BBAMP required a reduced search effort of 24 turbines being searched twice each month to deliver a statistically robust mortality estimate, compared to 32 to 34 turbines being searched four times each month in the previous year.
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Between March 2015 and February 2016, approximately 1,580 turbine searches were undertaken (impact sites)\ and 70 bird carcasses were found (including feather spots) representing one bird carcass every 22nd turbine search. The period between March 2016 and February 2017 comprised 567 turbine searches with 23 bird carcasses being found resulting in one bird carcass being found every 25th turbine search. BL&A undertook an analysis pooling carcass monitoring data from 10 wind farm sites in southern Australia (6,617 turbine searches) with 243 bird carcasses being found for all wind farms, resulting in a rate of one bird carcass found every 27th turbine search (BL&A unpublished presentation at CEC forum 2016). The carcass find rate at Gullen Range Wind Farm is slightly higher but not significantly different from the rate at which carcasses are found at windfarms elsewhere in southern Australia. Table 17: Summary of carcass search results for bird and bats in 2016 Feather Search type Season Month Bird Bat Total spot March 0 2 1 3 Autumn April 2 1 1 4 May 2 0 1 3 June 0 0 0 0 Winter July 0 0 0 0 Formal August 2 0 0 2 searches September 2 0 0 2 Spring October 2 0 0 2 November 2 2 0 4 December 1 0 1 2 Summer January 1 10 4 15 February 0 10 1 11 Formal Search Totals 14 25 9 48 March 0 0 0 0 Autumn April 1 0 0 1 May 0 0 0 0 June 0 0 0 0 Winter July 1 0 0 1 Incidental August 1 0 0 1 finds September 3 0 0 3 Spring October 1 0 0 1 November 0 0 0 0 December 0 0 0 0 Summer January 2 7 0 9 February 1 1 0 2 Incidental Totals 10 8 0 18
Table 18 provides a summary of the diversity of bird species carcasses found under turbines between March 2016 and February 2017. Separate summaries are provided
Page | 64 Gullen Range Wind Farm – Annual Report Mar 2016 – Feb 2017 Report No. 14182 (28.2) for formal searches, incidental finds and feather spots. The detailed data is presented in Appendix 2. A total of 14 bird carcasses were found under turbines during the formal carcass searches. Additionally, 10 incidentals finds and nine feather spots were also found under or close to turbines (up to 100 m from base of turbines). The Australian Magpie was the most common bird found. This was not surprising when considered against the 2016 BUS survey data which identified magpies as the second most abundant bird recorded on the wind farm site (behind Crimson Rosellas). A total of four Australian Wood Duck were found under turbines this year. The Australian Wood Duck is a common and widespread duck that often occurs on farm dams at the wind farm. This species is known to fly at night where it may have difficulty seeing rotating turbine blades. Table 18: Summary of bird carcasses found from March 2016 to February 2017 Number of formal Incidental Feather Species Totals carcasses Carcasses spots Australian Magpie 4 2 6
Australian Wood Duck 1 3 4
Wedge-tailed Eagle 1 2 3
Sulphur-crested Cockatoo 2 1 3
Crimson Rosella 1 2 3
Raven spp. 1 1 2
Laughing Kookaburra 1 1 2
Little Pied Cormorant 1 1 2
Nankeen Kestrel 1 1 2
Common Bronzewing 1 1
Galah 1 1
Grey Shrike Thrush 1 1
Black-faced Cuckoo Shrike 1 1
Fan-tailed Cuckoo 1 1
White-faced Heron 1 1
Totals 14 10 9 33 Three Wedge-tailed Eagle carcasses (one formal find and two incidentals) were found under turbines during the 2016-17 carcass searches. This number of eagle carcasses is a significant decrease from that recorded in the previous year 2015-16 (six during formal searches and three incidental finds). During the 2016-2017 survey period, WTE were found from different sections of the wind farm. At least four pairs of WTE were recorded holding territories and breeding within the wind farm site during 2015 (two in the GUR area, one in the KIA area and one in the POM area). During 2016 the number of resident WTE observed was two pairs in the Gurrundah section. The fate of the other two pairs is not known but this change could be as a result of a number of variables, including the use of alternate nesting locations within their territory. The second common raptor species utilising the wind farm site was the Nankeen Kestrel. While this species suffered a moderately high mortality (ten carcasses and two feather spots) during the previous year (2015-February 2016), this figure reduced to one incidental carcass and one feather spot were recorded for the March 2016 to February 2017 searches.
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Two Sulphur–crested Cockatoo carcasses and one incidental carcass were found under turbines. This species breeds in the woodland and forest habitat close to the site and forages in the more open areas. It flew around the wind farm site in large flocks during the non-breeding season (summer to winter) and was mostly seen flying at RSA heights putting it at risk of collision with turbines. The Sulphur-crested Cockatoo alone represented 43.8 percent of the total birds observed to be flying at RSA height during the utilisation surveys.
11 10
9 8 7 6 5 4 3 Number of carcasses of Number 2 1
0
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Figure 7: Carcass number by month The remainder of the species found were all common farmland and remnant woodland species. The Raven spp., Crimson Rosella, Laughing Kookaburra, Common Bronzewing, Galah, Grey Shrike Thrush, Black-faced Cuckoo Shrike, and Fantailed Cuckoo are all woodland birds that occasionally disperse across open country to other woodland habitats. The White-faced Heron and Little Pied Cormorant are wetland species that spend their time foraging in wetlands, including farm dams and occasionally dispersing between dams across open habitats. The number of carcasses found of each species bears no correlation to the actual abundance of these species within the wind farm site. Factors contributing to collision of birds with operating turbines are likely governed by bird behaviour, foraging habits and flight behaviour. For example, birds such as magpie, galah, raven and rosella are generally the most common birds observed flying and foraging among operating turbines, yet the rate of mortality is very low and does not reflect their abundance. The 15 bird species found during the 2016 carcass searches constitute approximately 20 percent of the bird species recorded on the wind farm (71 species). Many of the woodland bird species known to utilise the wind farm do not regularly fly at RSA height and are therefore unlikely to feature in the carcass search results (see BUS section for bird species list). A total of 94.5 percent of birds observed on the wind farm during the BUS were observed to be flying below the RSA.
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Figures 8 to 14 show the location of the bird carcasses at the wind farm site. The carcasses are distributed throughout the wind farm site and no obvious high risk turbines for bird strike could be identified.
6.2.2. Bats The diversity and number of bat species carcasses are shown in Table 19 and detailed in Appendix 3. A total of 25 bat carcasses were collected in the 2016 mortality search period during formal carcass surveys. In addition eight bat carcasses were found incidentally at non-targeted turbines (Table 17). No bat carcasses were found between May and September; the colder months when bat activity is comparatively low or absent as most bats are hibernating or have migrated from the area. January and February 2017 were the peak months for bat carcasses (10 carcasses in each month). Table 19: Summary of bat carcasses from March 2016 to February 2017 Number formal Number of Species Totals carcasses incidentals White-striped Freetail Bat 15 5 17 Gould's Wattled Bat 4 1 5 Large Forest Bat 4 2 6 Southern Forest Bat 2 2
Totals 25 8 33 The White-striped Freetail Bat was the most commonly found bat species during the 2016/17 carcass searches at Gullen Range Wind Farm with 15 formal and 5 incidental carcasses, respectively. The White-striped Freetail Bat is widespread on the wind farm site based on the bat 2016 survey results and regularly flies at RSA heights, which puts it at risk of collision with turbines (see Section 5.4.3). Gould’s Wattled Bat, Large Forest Bat and Southern Forest Bat occurred in lower numbers (2 to 6 carcasses) compared with the White-striped Freetail Bat. It is noteworthy that the calls of these bats were also recorded much less frequently that the White- striped Freetail Bat at RSA heights (see Table 15 and Figure 5) during the two 2016 surveys. No pattern was obvious in the distribution of bat carcasses among turbines, turbine groups or within and between habitat types. The wind farm site consisted of similar habitat types and turbines were located within open farmland habitats and adjacent to varying-sized fragments of woodland. No part of the wind farm appears more or less prone to collision-related bat mortality (see Figures 8-14). The four bat species found in carcass searches comprised four out of 14 species found in the 2016 bat survey, comprising those that fly most frequently at RSA heights. None of the species collected under turbines were threatened bat species.
Page | 67 5
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Legend Metres 0 500 1,000 Wind farm boundary Figure 11: Carcass observations Tracks Project: Gullen Range Wind Farm Turbines Client: Goldwind Australia Carcass observations !( White-striped Freetail Bat (5) Project No.: 14182 Date: 7/03/2017 Created By: N. May / C. Doughty !( Bat (1) Active nests !( Bird (2) #* Wedge-tailed Eagle (2) !( Nankeen Kestrel (2) ¯ !( Wedge-tailed Eagle (1) Gullen Range Wind Farm – Annual Report Mar 2016 – Feb 2017 Report No. 14182 (28.2)
6.2.3. Results of scavenger and observer efficiency trials 2016
Searcher efficiency Khalid Al–Dabbagh and Curtis Doughty, zoologists from BL&A, executed all 2016/17 carcass searches and undertook two searcher efficiency trials in July and November 2016, coinciding with shortest and longest grass respectively. The searcher efficiency results are shown in Table 20. Table 20: Searcher efficiency trial results for July and November 2016
July-16 efficiency test November-16 efficiency test Turbine Searcher Carcass Detected Carcass Detected Khalid Australian Magpie √ Australian Magpie √ BAN 02 Khalid White-striped Freetail Bat √ House Mouse X Khalid Noisy Miner √ Crimson Rosella √ BAN 07 Khalid White-striped Freetail Bat √ Little Forest Bat X Khalid Crimson Rosella √ Crimson Rosella √ BAN 11 Khalid White-striped Freetail Bat √ Large Forest Bat √ Khalid Australian Magpie √ Australian Magpie √ BAN 13 Khalid White-striped Freetail Bat X* Gould's Wattled Bat √ Australian Wood Khalid Sulphur-crested Cockatoo X √ BAN 15 Duck Khalid White-striped Freetail Bat X House Mouse √ Curtis Australian Magpie √ Australian Magpie √ POM 01 Curtis White-striped Freetail Bat √ Large Forest Bat √ Curtis Australian Magpie √ Crimson Rosella √ POM 04 Curtis Gould's Wattled Bat √ Gould's Wattled Bat √ Australian wood Curtis Grey Shrike Thrush √ √ POM 08 Duck Curtis White-striped Freetail Bat X House Mouse √ Curtis Crimson Rosella √ Raven spp. X** POM 13 Curtis White-striped Freetail Bat X House Mouse √ Curtis Raven spp. √ Australian Magpie √ POM 14/ White-striped POM 10 Curtis White-striped Freetail Bat √ X Freetail Bat * House Mouse used as replacement for bat. ** Carcass scavenged before the search. The search efficiency was similar in July and November regardless of the search conditions (grass length). The average efficiency was calculated including the June 2016 efficiency trial as well (see BL&A 2016b) and is detailed below. Carcasses found Carcasses placed Average efficiency
Birds 27 37 94 % Bats 34 36 73 % An overall efficiency is significantly different for bats and birds and was 73% for bats and 94% for birds. This data was used in the final calculation of the annual mortality rate at the wind farm (see Section 6.2.5).
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Scavenger trial The results of the scavenger trials are presented in Table 21. Day 0 indicates the beginning of the survey when the carcasses were placed and day 30 is the termination date of the trial. During the July trials, most of the carcasses were removed by scavengers by day 15 with four carcasses remaining untouched until day 30, when the experiment was terminated. This pattern of carcass removal by scavengers resulted in an average duration in the field of 10.5 days. In November 2016, most carcasses were removed by day 10 and only one remained untouched until day 30, therefore resulting in an average duration in the field of 3.5 days. The discrepancy in the average carcass duration in the field is probably related to the prevailing weather conditions. In July conditions were severe with more cold and rainy days compared with November. This could have led to lower scavenger activity.
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Table 21: Scavenger disappearance rate at Gullen Range Wind Farm from the two trails: July and November 2016
Date / 2016 5 July 6 July 7 July 8 July 9 July 10 July 12 July 15 July 18 July 21 July 26 July 29 July 4 Aug. Total days Site Species/Day Day 0 Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 Day 5 Day 7 Day 9 Day 12 Day 15 Day 21 Day 24 Day 30 in field Australian Magpie P P X 2 BAN 02 White-striped Freetail Bat P P X 2
Noisy Miner P X 1 BAN 07 White-striped Freetail Bat P P P P P P P P P X 15
Crimson Rosella P P P P P P P P P P P P P 30 BAN 11 White-striped Freetail Bat P P P P P P P P X 12
Australian Magpie P P P P P P P P P P P P P 30 BAN 13 White-striped Freetail Bat X 0
Sulphur-crested Cockatoo P P P P P P P P P X 15 BAN 15 White-striped Freetail Bat P P P P P P P P P P P P P 30 Australian Magpie P P P X 3 POM 01 White-striped Freetail Bat P P P X 3
Australian Magpie P P X 2 POM 04 Gould's Wattled Bat P P P P P X 5
Grey Shrike Thrush P P P X 3 POM 08 White-striped Freetail Bat P X 1
Crimson Rosella P P P P P P P P P X 15 POM 13 White-striped Freetail Bat P P P X 3
Raven spp P P P P P P P P P P P P P 30 POM 14 White-striped Freetail Bat P X 1
Average 10.15 Date / 2016 13 Nov. 14 Nov. 15 Nov. 16 Nov. 17 Nov. 18 Nov. 21 Nov. 23 Nov. 25 Nov. 28 Nov. 2 Dec. 7 Dec. 12 Dec. Total days Site Species/Day Day 0 Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 Day 5 Day 8 Day 10 Day 12 Day 15 Day 19 Day 25 Day 30 in field Australian Magpie P x 1 BAN 02 House Mouse P x 1
Crimson Rosella P x 1 BAN 07 Little Forest Bat P P P P P P P P P P P P P 30 Crimson Rosella P x 1 BAN 11 Large Forest Bat P P P P P P P x 5
Australian Magpie P P P P x 3 BAN 13 Gould Wattle Bat P P P P P P P x 5
Australian Wood Duck P x 1 BAN 15 House Mouse P x 1
Australian Magpie P P x 2 POM 01 Large Forest bat P P P x 3
Crimson Rosella P x 1 POM 04 Gould’ Wattled Bat P P P P P P x 6
Australian Wood Duck P x 1 POM 08 House Mouse P x 1
Australian Magpie P x 1 POM 10 White-striped Freetail Bat P x 1
Raven spp. x 0 POM 13 House Mouse P P P P P x 5
Average 3.5 Notes: P = Still present on ground when checked; X=Carcass has been taken by a scavenger.
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6.2.4. Carcass distribution under turbines An assessment of the location of carcasses has been undertaken using data pooled from the two years of post-construction monitoring (2015 and 2016). Based on an assessment of the data the following observations can be made: Carcasses were found between one to over 100 metres from turbine bases. Bird and bat carcasses differed in their distribution under turbines. Bird carcasses were found from just next to the turbine base to over 100 metres from the base, with distribution fairly even at all distances from the base to 80 metres. Numbers dropped significantly beyond 80 metres. Bats showed a pattern of carcasses almost always distributed around 40 metres from the turbine base (Figure 15). Bat carcass distribution ‘peaked’ at between 30-39m. Only one bat carcass was found beyond 69m from the base of the turbine. The distribution of carcasses at Gullen Range Wind Farm conforms with earlier findings at other wind farms in Australia (Hull & Muir 2010).
30 25
20 15
carcasses 10 5
Number of bird and bat and bird of Number 0
9
69 49 59 79 89 99
29 39
-
19.
- -
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-
0 0
>100
20 20 30
10
60 60 40 40 50 70 80 90 Distance classes (m)
Bats Birds
Figure 15: Distances of bird and bat carcasses from turbine bases
6.2.5. Statistical analysis of carcass search - March 2016 to February 2017 In March 2017, Symbolix undertook a statistical analysis of the mortality data collected at Gullen Range Wind Farm between March 2016 and February 2017 (Symbolix 2017, see Appendix 4). The analysis integrated the results of the searcher efficiency and scavenger trials undertaken in both survey years 2015 and 2016. The mean searcher efficiency for bats and birds was calculated as 73% for bats and 94% for birds with a confidence interval of (56% to 86% for bats and 81% to 99% for birds), while the mean loss from scavenging for all species was 8.0 days with a confidence window of (7.7, 8.2) days. The mortality estimation was done using two Monte-Carlo simulations, one for bats and one for birds. This was done based on the detection during carcass searches of:
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. 25 bats over twelve months (March 2016 to February 2017); and . 23 birds (including nine feather spots) over twelve months (March 2016 to February 2017); The analysis allowing for measured detectability and scavenging rate, as well as the unsearched turbines, resulted in an estimated average site loss of 272 bats and 240 birds (average) was calculated for the March 2016 to February 2017 survey period. Given that 73 turbines are located at the wind farm site, this would result in an estimated annual mortality rate of: . 3.7 bats per turbine per year . 3.3 birds per turbine per year. The analysis undertaken by BL&A of carcass search results for ten wind farms in southern and eastern Australia resulted in a range between 0.5 and 3 bats per turbine per year and a range of 0.5 and 6 birds per turbine per year. The mortality of 3.7 bats per turbine per year is slightly higher than this range and 3.3 birds per turbine per year is within the usual range of bird mortality expected for wind farms (BL&A, unpublished data).
6.2.6. Statistical analysis of carcass search - January 2015 to February 2016 The survey methodology for the first year of monthly carcass monitoring was based on the initial BBAMP prepared by ngh environmental (2012a). A later change to this methodology was made as the methodology within the original BBAMP did not provide for a statistically robust analysis as turbines were not randomly selected leading to possible bias in any estimates of mortality rates. In addition, this initial approach, whereby non- focus turbines are surveyed in rotating groups resuled in these only being surveyed every four months and not monthly.. Despite the limitations of the previous method, a statistical analysis has been undertaken (Symbolix 2017). This statistical analysis was done based on the detection during carcass searches of: . 53 bats over twelve months (March 2015 to February 2016); and . 70 birds over twelve months (March 2015 to February 2016). Based on the detected carcasses and measured detectability and scavenge rate, an estimated site loss of 283 bats and 418 birds (average) was calculated for this survey period. Given that 73 turbines are located at the wind farm site, this would result in an estimated annual mortality rate of: . 4.8 bats per turbine per year . 5.7 birds per turbine per year. These numbers are much higher than the estimated numbers for the 2016-17 period, and much higher than most other wind farms. This is almost certainly due to the biased nature of search turbine selection within the original BBAMP methodology, which disproportionately included turbines judged a priori to represent a higher risk to birds and bats due to their proximity to remnant vegetation. Given this, as well as comparison with other wind farms searched using a statistically robust design, and the results obtained from the more statistically robust (unbiased) search design in 2016-17, the
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2015-16 mortality rates are biased and do not accurately reflect the impact of the wind farm on bats and birds. They do provide a good indication of the bird and bat species affected, which did not differ significantly in ranked abundance from the findings in 2016-17.
6.3. Conclusions No threatened bird or bat species were found during carcass searches and no threatened bird or bat species that fly routinely at turbine height were found during the bird utilisation surveys or incidentally on the wind farm site during the extensive investigations on the site (totalling 120 person-days on site (5 days per month, two zoologists), or 16.4 percent of the year). Gullen Range Wind Farm is considered to pose a low risk to threatened bird and bat species. The impact of the wind farm on non-threatened birds represents a loss from local populations of 240 per year, made up mostly of magpies, cockatoos and common farm dam waterbirds and common woodland species that move across agricultural land (see also BL&A 2016b). Given that these impacts affect widespread, abundant birds, the population consequences of this impact for these species are not considered to be of conservation concern. The impact on non-threatened bats represents a loss of 272 per year (3.7 bats per turbine per year) consisting of mostly White-striped Freetail Bat, Gould’s Wattled Bat and Large Forest Bat, which are all common bat species. Impacts on the populations of these species are considered insignificant. In view of these findings and having regard to the findings of the more intensive, although less statistically robust, investigations in 2015-16, continuation of the routine carcass monitoring is not warranted and a clear picture has emerged of the species and numbers of birds affected by the project. It is recommended that routine reporting of bird and bat carcass finds under wind turbines by wind farm personnel continue, in accordance with the incidental carcass protocol (BL&A 2016a, section 5.4.5, p. 49). In addition, should any impact trigger occur, then the reporting and investigation requirements of the approved BBAMP (BL&A 2016a, Section 7) should be implemented.
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7. RAPTOR SURVEY
7.1. Methodology Roaming surveys for raptors were continued each month throughout the wind farm site. This report analyses raptor observations from March 2016 to February 2017. The surveys involved recording any flight paths of raptors observed during the BUS surveys, carcass searches and recording observations made when moving about the site between search turbines. These observations occurred collectively over the whole wind farm site. All raptor flights observed were plotted on maps. Flight behaviour, height, direction and the start and finish times of the flights were recorded. In addition to flight path mapping, Wedge-tailed Eagle nesting sites were monitored for activity and breeding success during the breeding season (July to November). All raptor data was recorded by BL&A zoologists.
7.2. Roaming Survey results Eight species of raptor were observed flying at Gullen Range Wind Farm during the 2016- 17 monitoring period, as listed below. . Black Falcon . Brown Falcon . Brown Goshawk . Collared Sparrowhawk . Nankeen Kestrel . Peregrine Falcon . Wedge–tailed Eagle and . Whistling Kite. In addition to these species a Little Eagle was observed flying just outside the wind farm boundary on one afternoon crossing Storriers Lane flying in a direction away from the wind farm site. A total of 67 raptor flight paths, including 95 movements, were recorded on the Gullen Range Wind Farm during the monitoring surveys from March 2016 to February 2017. A flight path can comprise several movements if two or more birds fly together along the same flight path. The vast majority of movements involved the Wedge–tailed Eagle (Table 22). The raw data for the raptor observations can be found in Appendix 6. A total of 65 movements were recorded for the Wedge–tailed Eagle during 2016/17. The flight paths are mapped in Figure 16 to Figure 22. The Wedge–tailed Eagle was observed flying over ridges, forest, woodland, and farmland. Typical Wedge–tailed Eagle flight behaviour involved soaring at height using thermals, gliding, flapping, territorial display and diving. At times, Wedge-tailed Eagle were also observed resting on the ground or perched in trees. Nine Wedge–tailed Eagle nests were recorded close to or within the Gullen Range Wind Farm site during the survey period. Of these nests, two were used by breeding pairs during 2016, both in the Gurrundah section of the wind farm. One of these pairs successfully raised a fledgling that was observed at the nest from October to December 2016 and flying over the Gurrundah site with its parents in January and February 2017. The breeding attempt at the other nest failed early on. Despite searching, no active nest
Page | 80 Gullen Range Wind Farm – Annual Report Mar 2016 – Feb 2017 Report No. 14182 (28.2)
has been found in the Kialla or Pomeroy section this year where active nests were observed breeding in the previous year. Table 22: Summary of observed raptor flights during the second year monitoring period
Raptor 2016 2017 Total Species Mar Apr May Jun July Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Wedge-tailed 8 3 3 16 9 5 2 2 4 1 4 7 64 Eagle Nankeen 1 1 2 1 1 2 7 1 16 Kestrel Brown 1 1 1 3 Goshawk Brown Falcon 2 2 4
Peregrine 1 1 2 Falcon Black Falcon 1 1
Collard 1 1 Sparrowhawk Whistling Kite 1 1 2
Total 11 6 4 16 9 7 4 5 6 5 12 8 93 An immature eagle was observed flying with its parents on the south-west border of the Pomeroy section in February 2017. The pair could have nested elsewhere in the region this year. Wedge-tailed Eagle pairs have two to three nests on average in their territory, but can have up to ten nests and they can build new nests at the beginning of a breeding season (Olsen 2005). The territory size can vary between 10 km2 and 100 km2 (Olsen 2005) and finding nests not being occupied in subsequent years is not unusual. For these reasons, it is not possible to attribute definitively the lower numbers of breeding eagle pairs in 2016-17 to the impact of the wind farm. It is possible that pairs may be using nests in that portion of their territory beyond the wind farm observation area and they may return to the nests within the wind farm site in later years. Continued observations of eagle breeding activity on the wind farm site would be required to confirm this. The Nankeen Kestrel is a common raptor at the Gullen Range Wind Farm site. A total of 16 movements were recorded. This species often flies at RSA height which puts it at risk of collision with turbines. A Peregrine Falcon pair was observed successfully nesting at a site in the northern section of Gurrundah in 2015-16. This nest was not used this year however an adult Peregrine Falcon was observed displaying territorial behaviour over the forest east of Pomeroy. The Peregrine Falcon is most likely nesting in the area this year though the nest site has not been located or confirmed. The other raptor species were seen less frequently at the wind farm site. Due to their low usage of the wind farm site, these additional raptor species are less likely to collide with turbines.
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7.3. Wedge-tailed Eagle casualties An adult female Wedge-tailed Eagle was found under a turbine at KIA 01 during July 2016. It is not known if this was a member of the resident pair that nested here during the 2015 breeding season. The Wedge-tailed Eagle that was observed colliding with turbine GUR 12 on 17th August 2016 was an immature bird. It was the beginning of the breeding season and it is likely that this individual had recently been pushed out of its natal territory, possibly from a location off the wind farm site, by its parents as they began to breed again. One of the resident eagles at Gurrundah was observed to be aggressively swooping the immature bird prior to the collision. The Wedge-tailed Eagle found under turbine POM 03 in February 2017 was an adult male bird. It is unclear if this was one of the resident birds at Pomeroy or if it was a roaming bird. In accordance with the Project Approval (Application No. 07_0118), payments to the Australian Wildlife Rescue Organisation (WIRES) have been made by NGRWF for each WTE carcass found at the wind farm site.
Page | 82 5
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Legend Metres 0 500 1,000 Wind farm boundary Figure 22: Annual report raptor flight paths Tracks Project: Gullen Range Wind Farm Turbines Client: Goldwind Australia Active nests Nankeen Kestrel (7) Project No.: 14182 Date: 16/03/2017 Created By: N. May / C. Doughty #* Wedge-tailed Eagle (2) Peregrine Falcon (2) Species Wedge-tailed Eagle (21) Whistling Kite (1) ¯ Black Falcon (1) Brown Goshawk (1) Gullen Range Wind Farm – Annual Report Mar 2016 – Feb 2017 Report No. 14182 (28.2)
8. REFERENCES Arnett EB, Erickson WP, Kerns J and Horn J 2005. Relationships between bats and wind turbines in Pennsylvania and West Virginia: An assessment of fatality search protocols, patterns of fatality, and behavioural interactions with wind turbines. A final report submitted to the Bats and Wind Energy Cooperative. Bat Conservation International. Austin, Texas, USA. AusWEA (Australian Wind Energy Association) 2005. Wind Farms and Birds: Interim Standards for Risk Assessment. Report prepared by Brett Lane and Associates and AIRA Professional Services; Report No. 2003.35 (2.2), July 2005. Brett Lane & Associates 2016a, Gullen Range Wind Farm - Bird and Bat Adaptive Management Program. Prepared for New Gullen Range Wind Farm Pty Ltd. Report No. 14182 (4.7) May 2016. Brett Lane & Associates Pty Ltd (BL&A) 2016b. Gullen Range Wind Farm: Bird and Bat Adaptive Management Program. Report on year one implementation, Report No. 14182 (15.1). Churchill, S. 2008, Australian Bats (2nd. Ed.), Allen & Unwin, Crow’s Nest, NSW. Clean Energy Council 2013. Best Practice Guidelines for Implementation of Wind Energy Projects in Australia. Clean Energy Council, Australia. Hull, C L & Muir, S, 2010, Search areas for monitoring bird and bat carcasses at wind farms using a Monte-Carlo method, Austr. J. Env. Management 17:77-87. nghenvironmental 2012a, Bird and Bat Adaptive Management Plan and Monitoring Program, Gullen Range Wind Farm for Goldwind, May 2012. nghenvironmental 2012b, Gullen Range wind farm – Bird and Bat utilisation surveys - Biodiversity Assessment: Summer survey methods and results, prepared for Goldwind, March 2012. nghenvironmental 2012c, Gullen Range wind farm – Bird and Bat utilisation surveys - Biodiversity Assessment: Winter survey methods and results, prepared for Goldwind, September 2012. nghenvironmental 2012d, Gullen Range wind farm – Bird and Bat utilisation surveys - Biodiversity Assessment: Spring survey methods and results, prepared for Goldwind, November 2012. Olsen, P 2005, Wedge-tailed Eagle, Collingwood, Australia. Symbolix 2017, Gullen Range Mortality Estimates – 2015 and 2016, prepared for BL&A, March 2017.
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Appendix 1: Raw data for the Bird Utilisation Surveys Autumn BUS – Impact Points 1-4
Point P1 P2 P3 P4 Class height Below 30 metres RSA Below 30 metres RSA Below 30 metres RSA Below 30 metres RSA Species/Replicate 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 6 7 8 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 3 4 5 7 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 1 2 3 4 7 8 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 1 5 8 number 2 4 3 8 7 3 4 3 10 7 11 14 7 3 4 3 2 3 7 3 2 5 5 5 4 4 6 2 3 6 6 4 Australian Magpie 2 2 2 Australian Pipit Australian Wood 5 20 5 Duck 4 2 4 5 4 6 6 4 Brown Thornbill Buff-rumped 10 10 10 16 10 20 Thornbill 16 12 12 12 6 Common Starling 5 25 5 5 3 10 3 4 30 13 3 15 5 5 4 4 3 3 2 2 3 2 2 15 6 10 4 8 16 6 Crimson Rosella 2 2 2 2 Eastern Spinebill 2 16 4 4 8 2 12 Galah 2 2 Golden Whistler 1 2 2 1 Grey Shrike-thrush Laughing 2 2 2 3 2 2 2 1 2 2 Kookaburra 2 2 2 Magpie-lark 1 1 1 1 1 Nankeen Kestrel 1 1 Peregrine Falcon 2 2 2 2 Pied Currawong 2 2 2 2 5 3 18 2 6 2 2 2 4 6 8 2 3 Raven 2 2 Red Wattlebird 12 Red-rumped Parrot 2 Scarlet Robin 2 2 2 4 Striated Pardalote 10 6 10 10 10 6 6 6 6 20 12 10 6 4 Striated Thornbill Sulphur-crested 2 4 2 4 4 10 2 2 2 2 6 4 5 4 4 Cockatoo 5 7 7 5 6 Superb Fairy-wren 1 Wedge-tailed Eagle 15 Welcome Swallow White-browed 2 4 3 4 4 4 Scrubwren White-eared 2 Honeyeater 2 1 White-faced Heron White-fronted 2 Chat White-necked 1 Heron 4 2 6 2 2 2 2 2 4 4 2 2 2 4 2 White-throated
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Point P1 P2 P3 P4 Class height Below 30 metres RSA Below 30 metres RSA Below 30 metres RSA Below 30 metres RSA Species/Replicate 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 6 7 8 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 3 4 5 7 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 1 2 3 4 7 8 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 1 5 8 number Treecreeper White-winged 9 9 Cough 2 Willie Wagtail 6 10 Yellow Thornbill Yellow-faced 2 2 Honeyeater Yellow-rumped 6 12 10 20
Thornbill
2 4 4 4 3 1 6 4 1 2 1 1 1 6 4 6
54 20 22 25 44 34 56 56 23 28 72 20 24 32 60 18 46 21 22 16 22 35 69 41 11 26 46 40 12
Grand Total 25 106
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Autumn BUS – Impact Points 5-8
Point P5 P6 P7 P8 Class height Below 30 metres RSA Below 30 metres Below 30 metres RSA Below 30 metres RSA Species/Replicate number 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 4 6 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 5 7 1 4 5 6 7 8 3 4 7 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 8 Australian Magpie 2 5 10 4 10 3 4 3 3 5 4 2 2 5 4 4 3 2 4 3 7 3 4 5 4 3 6 2
Australian Pipit 2 2 2 4 2 2 2 3
Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike 2
Brown Thornbill 6 6
Buff-rumped Thornbill 20 10
Common Bronzewing 2 4
Common Starling 20 2
Crimson Rosella 6 16 3 16 30 20 5 13 10 12 5 10 7 20 3 2 2 4 3 5 5 13 5
Eastern Spinebill 2
European Goldfinch 6 12
Galah 4 6 2 4
Golden Whistler 2
Grey Butcherbird 1 1 1
Grey Currawong 2 2 2
Grey Shrike-thrush 2 2 2
Laughing Kookaburra 2 1 4 2 2 2 2 2
Magpie-lark 2
Pied Currawong 2 2 2
Raven 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 3 2 3 6
Red Wattlebird 2 2
Scarlet Robin 1
Striated Pardalote 2 2 5 4
Striated Thornbill 10 12 4 20 4 20
Sulphur-crested Cockatoo 14 4 2 3 3 2 4 3 8 4 3 2 6 6 2 10 4 2
Wedge-tailed Eagle 2
Welcome Swallow 4 2 4 4
White-eared Honeyeater 4 2 2 2 2 2 1
White-fronted Chat 4
White-throated Treecreeper 2 2 2 2 2 4 4 2 2 2 2
White-winged Cough 7 5 7 7
Willie Wagtail 2 2
Yellow-faced Honeyeater 2
Yellow-rumped Thornbill 10 16 15 5 10 15 16
Grand Total 26 35 25 47 56 62 88 46 2 3 17 13 28 32 22 18 18 51 2 8 11 9 13 24 18 7 6 3 2 6 11 19 22 18 47 27 36 4
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Autumn BUS – Reference Points 1-2
Point R1 R2 Class height Below 30 metres RSA Below 30 metres RSA Species/Replicate number 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 2 3 6 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 2 3 5 Australian Magpie 6 8 7 9 9 3 10 2 4 4 5 6
Australian Wood Duck 12 5 5 12 18 16 6
Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike 2
Brown Thornbill 4
Common Starling 12 16 4
Crimson Rosella 5 7 6 3 4 2 4
Eastern Rosella 4 4 4
Galah 14 10 50 10 8
Laughing Kookaburra 2 1
Little-pied Cormorant 1
Magpie-lark 4 2 2 2 2 2 2
Pacific Black Duck 3
Raven 2 2 4 2 2 20 2 12 12 8 14 6 4
Red-rumped Parrot 6 6 12 10
Scarlet Robin 2
Sulphur-crested Cockatoo 6 4 12 20 10 6 100 30 6 20 2
Welcome Swallow 20
White-faced Heron 1 1 1 1
White-throated Treecreeper 2
Willie Wagtail 1
Yellow-rumped Thornbill 10 8 6
Grand Total 42 21 21 22 15 35 48 2 2 12 65 35 26 44 171 59 48 58 4 2 4
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Winter BUS – Impact Points 1-4
Points P1 P2 P3 P4 Class heights Below 30 metres RSA Below 30 metres RSA Below 30 metres RSA Below 30 metres RSA Species/ Replicate number 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 1 2 3 6 1 2 4 5 6 7 8 1 6 7 1 2 4 5 6 7 8 8 2 3 4 5 7 2 4 5 7 Australian Magpie 5 3 3 3 5 12 4 4 6 4 9 18 8 4 4 5 9 5 5 3 7 6 2 4 3 8 2
Australian Pipit 2
Australian Shelduck 2
Australian Wood Duck 2 8 2 2 4 7
Brown Thornbill 4 4 6 2 4
Buff-rumped Thornbill 10 10
Common Starling 10 12 25 10 10 10 10 6 6 20
Crimson Rosella 5 2 2 4 10 3 7 4 4 2 8 6 11 10 3 3 6 3 2 3 4 10 12 4 2 24
European Goldfinch 20
Galah 2 4 5 2 4 2 2 6 4 4 14
Grey Butcherbird 1
Grey Currawong 2 2
Grey Shrike-thrush 1 2 1
Laughing Kookaburra 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 4 1 2 2
Magpie-lark 2 2 2
Masked Lapwing 2 2
Pacific Black Duck 2 2
Pied Currawong 2 2 2 2 2 2 2
Raven 2 5 4 4 2 2 4 4 2 6 2 2 2 6 4 3 2 2 5 2 2 2 2
Red Wattlebird 2
Scarlet Robin 2
Striated pardalote 2
Striated Thornbill 4 10 10 6 10 6 15
Sulphur-crested Cockatoo 6 4 2 4 2 2 4 2 2 20 10 12 20 4 2 2
Superb Fairy-wren 6 4 5 5
Varied Sittella 10
Wedge-tailed Eagle 1
Welcome Swallow 4 4 6 2
White-browed Scrubwren 4 4
White-eared Honeyeater 2 2
White-faced Heron 1
White-throated Treecreeper 2 2 2 2 6 2 2 4 2 2 6
Willie Wagtail 2 1
Yellow-rumped Thornbill 10 6 8 8 10
Total 14 17 31 36 29 23 70 1 2 4 2 18 24 16 35 58 39 28 4 4 2 21 39 41 24 18 27 37 5 76 45 19 46 130 6 4 2 2
Page | 96 Gullen Range Wind Farm – Annual Report Mar 2016 – Feb 2017 Report No. 14182 (28.2)
Winter BUS – Impact Points 5-8
Points P5 P6 P7 P8 Class heights Below 30 metres RSA Below 30 metres RSA Below 30 metres RSA Below 30 metres RSA Species/ Replicate number 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 1 4 8 1 2 3 4 5 6 8 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 4 7 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 2 6 Australian Magpie 2 2 6 5 3 3 4 4 5 8 6 8 5 2 8 3 7 6 2 5 4 4 6 6 7 5 3 5 2 3 6 2
Australian Pipit 2 2 2 2 2
Australian Shelduck 2 2
Australian Wood Duck 2 10 2 4 12 2 2
Brown Thornbill 2 4 2 2 3 4 4 5 4
Common Bronzewing 2 2 1
Common Starling 10 10 16 6 12 16 16 6
Crested Pigeon 4 3
Crimson Rosella 14 4 11 5 5 6 10 2 6 5 10 7 6 11 2 2 2 5 2 3 4 6 4 2
Eastern Rosella 16
Galah 2 4 4 4 2 2
Grey Butcherbird 1 2
Grey Currawong 2 2 2 2 2
Grey Shrike-thrush 1 1 2 1
Laughing Kookaburra 2 1 1 2 2 2 2 2 2 4 1 2 2
Magpie-lark 2
Noisy Miner 3 2
Pacific Black Duck 2
Pied Currawong 3 2 2 4 2 2 2
Raven 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 4 2 2 2 2 2
Red Wattlebird 2
Striated pardalote 2 2
Striated Thornbill 6 4 6 6 10 10
Sulphur-crested Cockatoo 20 20 10 10 20 6 10 5 10 2 4 2 10 12 4 4 2 2 2 2 3 4 4 3
Varied Sittella 16
Wedge-tailed Eagle 2 2
Welcome Swallow 16 4 6 10 10 10 12 10 10
White-faced Heron 1
White-throated Treecreeper 2 2 2 2 2 2
White-winged Cough 20 9 12 8 7 6
Yellow-rumped Thornbill 10 6 10 6 6 6 6
Total 58 41 49 32 28 58 69 53 2 5 10 9 18 13 32 25 46 61 8 4 2 2 21 18 10 10 13 10 19 22 2 6 22 44 14 33 47 38 48 44 5 5
Page | 97 Gullen Range Wind Farm – Annual Report Mar 2016 – Feb 2017 Report No. 14182 (28.2)
Winter BUS – Reference Points 1-2
Points R1 R2 Class heights Below 30 metres RSA Below 30 metres RSA Species/ Replicate number 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 4 5 6 8 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 1 2 6 Australian Magpie 10 10 6 12 10 10 13 6 4 8 5 4 4 3 4 2 5
Australian Pipit 2
Australian Shelduck 2 2
Australian Wood Duck 6 5 5 5 4 6 8 13 10 6 4 6 4 2 4 2
Buff-rumped Thornbill 6
Common Starling 50 4 30 12 20 16 10 50 16
Crimson Rosella 8 2 3 2 2 7 2 6 2 8 6 6
Eastern Rosella 4 6 4 4
European Goldfinch 12 40
Galah 4 8 6 2 4 2
Grey Butcherbird 1
Grey Currawong 2
Laughing Kookaburra 2 2 4 2
Little Corella 4 4 4
Magpie-lark 2 2 2 2
Pacific Black Duck 2 2 2 2 2
Raven 6 6 4 8 2 10 5 2 4 10 4 2 4 12 4 6
Red-rumped Parrot 20 16
Scarlet Robin 2
Striated pardalote 2
Striated Thornbill 6
Sulphur-crested Cockatoo 4 2 4 6 16 6 3 8 2
Welcome Swallow 10 20 10 12 6 10 4 20
White-browed Scrubwren
White-faced Heron 1 2 2
White-throated Treecreeper 4
White-winged Cough 7
Willie Wagtail 1
Yellow-rumped Thornbill 8
Total 42 43 28 89 24 30 41 63 4 2 2 4 76 121 42 45 40 98 74 41 3 8 2
Page | 98 Gullen Range Wind Farm – Annual Report Mar 2016 – Feb 2017 Report No. 14182 (28.2)
Spring BUS – Impact Points 1-4
Site P1 P2 P3 P4 Height Class Below 30 metres RSA Below 30 metres RSA Below 30 metres RSA Below 30 metres RSA Species/ Replicate number 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 1 2 3 4 5 8 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 5 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 5 6 8 Australian Magpie 2 2 3 4 5 7 3 8 10 5 8 2 1 4 5 1 4 3 5 1 2 5 2 1 Australian Pipit 1 1 2 1 Australian Raven 1 2 2 1 2 1 2 2 Australian Wood Duck 5 5 2 Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike 2 2 1 Brown Falcon 1 Brown Goshawk 1 Brown Thornbill 2 3 2 4 5 10 5 2 2 3 8 2 Brown-headed Honeyeater 5 Buff-rumped Thornbill 4 3 10 16 10 10 6 10 10 Common Starling 3 3 5 20 1 Crimson Rosella 2 1 4 2 5 5 6 16 12 9 3 12 2 2 2 9 2 2 3 2 6 Eastern Rosella 2 Eastern Spinebill 3 1 1 1 1 1 Eurasian Skylark 1 European Goldfinch 6 Flame Robin 1 1 Galah 2 1 1 1 3 2 2 3 Grey Currawong 1 Grey Fantail 1 1 1 2 Grey Shrike-thrush 1 Laughing Kookaburra 2 1 2 Little Corella 1 2 Little Raven 2 1 2 2 1 33 1 1 2 Magpie-lark 2 2 Mistletoebird 1 1 2 1 Nankeen Kestrel 1 Noisy Friarbird 1 1 Olive-backed Oriole 1 1 Pied Currawong 2 1 10 1 1 1 1 1 Red Wattlebird 3 4 2 3 1 2 1 2 Rufous Whistler 1 1 1 Sacred Kingfisher 1 Silvereye 2 Spotted Pardalote 2 Striated Pardalote 1 2 1 8 1 1 4 2 8 6 Striated Thornbill 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 Sulphur-crested Cockatoo 1 1 2 1 10 1 3 2 4 1 1 1 Superb Fairy-wren 3 3 4 5 5 4 5 4 1 Wedge-tailed Eagle 1
Page | 99 Gullen Range Wind Farm – Annual Report Mar 2016 – Feb 2017 Report No. 14182 (28.2)
Site P1 P2 P3 P4 Height Class Below 30 metres RSA Below 30 metres RSA Below 30 metres RSA Below 30 metres RSA Species/ Replicate number 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 1 2 3 4 5 8 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 5 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 5 6 8 White-browed Scrubwren 3 3 3 4 3 5 3 White-eared Honeyeater 1 1 1 White-faced Heron 2 1 White-naped Honeyeater 2 8 10 4 White-throated Gerygone 1 White-throated Treecreeper 1 1 1 2 1 1 2 1 3 1 2 1 Willie Wagtail 1 Yellow-faced Honeyeater 5 20 2 4 Yellow-rumped Thornbill 6 10 10 2 2 2 2 2 4 Total 15 9 14 22 27 38 54 31 1 1 3 2 2 10 57 39 34 28 46 65 88 54 2 1 5 6 12 6 12 13 7 34 2 7 2 22 10 10 9 34 35 1 1 3
Page | 100 Gullen Range Wind Farm – Annual Report Mar 2016 – Feb 2017 Report No. 14182 (28.2)
Spring BUS – Impact Points 5-8
Site P5 P6 P7 P8 Height Class Below 30 metres RSA Below 30 metres RSA Below 30 metres RSA Below 30 metres RSA Species/ Replicate number 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 2 8 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 1 2 4 5 6 8 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 2 4 5 7 8 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 1 2 5 7 8 Australian Magpie 1 4 4 1 1 3 3 3 4 1 1 1 3 1 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Australian Pipit 1 1 3 1 1 2 2 Australian Raven 1 7 1 3 1 1 1 Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike 2 1 1 1 Brown Thornbill 2 Buff-rumped Thornbill 8 5 10 Common Bronzewing 1 1 Common Starling 1 4 1 6 Crimson Rosella 4 5 4 2 8 3 2 4 2 3 4 1 4 Eastern Rosella 1 Eastern Spinebill 1 1 1 Galah 2 2 7 3 2 1 Grey Fantail 2 1 Grey Shrike-thrush 1 1 Laughing Kookaburra 2 1 1 Little Raven 5 1 3 1 Little-pied Cormorant 1 Nankeen Kestrel 1 2 1 1 1 1 Noisy Friarbird 1 Pacific Black Duck 1 Pied Currawong 1 2 Red Wattlebird 3 Silvereye 9 Spotted Pardalote 2 4 25 Striated Pardalote 10 3 2 10 1 1 3 6 5 5 8 Striated Thornbill 10 10 8 Sulphur-crested Cockatoo 1 1 4 3 1 2 1 1 1 1 2 1 1 1 13 1 1 4 4 1 2 3 2 1 1 1 2 Superb Fairy-wren 1 2 Tree Martin 2 Wedge-tailed Eagle 1 Welcome Swallow 1 1 White-eared Honeyeater 2 1 White-faced Heron 1 White-fronted Chat 2 4 White-naped Honeyeater 10 6 White-throated Treecreeper 1 1 1 1 1 Yellow-faced Honeyeater 9 6 2 3 11 Yellow-rumped Thornbill 2 4 2 2 10 Total 7 9 15 11 9 16 16 47 2 1 6 2 9 4 1 4 23 61 3 1 1 1 15 6 3 2 3 2 3 6 9 12 3 1 4 8 5 6 2 20 10 21 34 28 22 2 1 3 1 3
Page | 101 Gullen Range Wind Farm – Annual Report Mar 2016 – Feb 2017 Report No. 14182 (28.2)
Spring BUS – Reference Points 1-2
Site R1 R2 Height Class Below 30 metres RSA Below 30 metres RSA Species/ Replicate number 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 1 4 8 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 2 4 6 7 Australian Magpie 9 9 3 8 8 9 2 7 2 3 2 4 2 4 3 Australian Pipit 2 2 1 Australian Raven 1 1 2 2 Australian Wood Duck 8 7 7 12 10 10 6 9 1 2 2 8 Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike 1 2 2 Brown Thornbill 3 Brown-headed Honeyeater 5 4 Buff-rumped Thornbill 8 Common Starling 3 1 4 6 8 10 10 8 10 70 20 30 60 20 10 Crimson Rosella 8 2 10 2 8 6 10 2 2 8 Eastern Rosella 4 4 2 Galah 1 2 5 1 2 1 Grey Fantail 1 2 2 Grey Teal 1 1 Laughing Kookaburra 2 1 1 2 Little Raven 4 4 3 1 1 3 2 6 4 8 4 6 1 Magpie-lark 2 2 2 Nankeen Kestrel 1 1 1 1 Pacific Black Duck 2 3 Red Wattlebird 2 3 4 1 Red-rumped Parrot 5 2 4 4 Restless Flycatcher 1 1 1 Sacred Kingfisher 1 Silvereye 2 2 Striated Pardalote 3 3 4 6 1 Sulphur-crested Cockatoo 2 1 1 2 1 3 3 3 1 5 5 3 1 1 2 1 2 Superb Fairy-wren 3 Tree Martin 15 1 1 2 2 1 6 4 3 5 Welcome Swallow 2 White-browed Scrubwren 3 White-faced Heron 1 1 White-naped Honeyeater 5 2 White-throated Treecreeper 1 1 1 2 3 Willie Wagtail 1 1 1 1 1 Yellow-faced Honeyeater 20 Yellow-rumped Thornbill 6 6 6 2 10 Yellow-tailed Black-Cockatoo 10 Total 40 35 21 46 42 49 56 70 3 1 4 47 35 91 48 42 74 69 53 3 1 3 2
Page | 102 Gullen Range Wind Farm – Annual Report Mar 2016 – Feb 2017 Report No. 14182 (28.2)
Summer BUS – Impact Points 1-4
Points P1 P2 P3 P4 Class heights Below 30 metres RSA Below 30 metres RSA Below 30 metres RSA Below 30 metres RSA Species/ Replicate number 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 1 2 4 5 6 8 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 1 2 5 6 8 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 1 2 3 5 7 8 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 1 3 6 Australian Magpie 3 4 2 2 2 2 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 3 4 4 6 2 2 6 2 2 4 2 2 4 2 2 Australian Pipit 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 6 4 2 2 4 4 2 4 Australian Wood Duck 2 10 2 2 Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike 2 2 1 2 1 2 Brown Falcon 1 Brown Thornbill 4 4 2 6 2 6 4 4 4 Brown-headed Honeyeater 6 4 2 4 Buff-rumped Thornbill 6 10 10 10 6 4 10 4 Common Starling 30 2 10 4 6 4 10 10 12 Crimson Rosella 4 4 2 2 4 4 4 2 2 2 2 2 4 2 2 4 2 3 2 3 4 2 4 4 4 4 2 4 6 Eastern Rosella 2 2 2 2 2 Eurasian Skylark 2 2 2 2 4 2 2 1 Fantailed Cuckoo 2 Galah 2 2 2 2 4 4 2 Grey Currawong 2 1 Grey Fantail 2 4 2 2 Grey Shrike-thrush 2 2 1 Laughing Kookaburra 2 4 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 4 3 2 Nankeen Kestrel 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Noisy Friarbird 2 2 2 2 2 Pied Currawong 2 2 2 2 2 4 2 2 2 2 2 Raven 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 4 2 6 8 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 3 2 Red Wattlebird 4 2 2 6 2 2 2 2 2 2 Rufous Whistler 2 1 Sacred Kingfisher 1 Shining Bronze Cuckoo 1 1 Silvereye 4 Spotted Pardalote 2 2 2 Striated Pardalote 2 4 12 2 2 2 2 4 2 2 2 2 2 2 Striated Thornbill 14 10 4 10 Sulphur-crested Cockatoo 3 2 2 2 2 2 4 2 4 5 2 2 4 2 6 10 6 6 2 10 6 2 Superb Fairywren 4 5 7 7 5 5 5 5 5 5 Tree Martin 2 2 4 2 2 4 Varied Sitella 10 Wedge-tailed Eagle 1 Welcome Swallow 2 Whistling Kite 1 White-browed Scrubwren 2 4 4 4 4 4 4 White-faced Heron 1 1 1 1 1 2 White-necked Heron 1 1 1
Page | 103 Gullen Range Wind Farm – Annual Report Mar 2016 – Feb 2017 Report No. 14182 (28.2)
Points P1 P2 P3 P4 Class heights Below 30 metres RSA Below 30 metres RSA Below 30 metres RSA Below 30 metres RSA Species/ Replicate number 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 1 2 4 5 6 8 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 1 2 5 6 8 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 1 2 3 5 7 8 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 1 3 6 White-throated 2 2 2 2 10 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 Treecreeper Yellow-faced Honeyeater 2 2 2 4 2 2 4 4 2 4 Yellow-rumped Thornbill 10 10 10 10 Total 52 22 57 45 15 107 67 35 2 3 2 8 2 4 15 10 16 39 23 26 15 32 3 3 2 2 8 16 13 21 11 31 20 21 28 3 4 6 1 3 2 25 48 47 32 29 33 30 40 1 2 2
Page | 104 Gullen Range Wind Farm – Annual Report Mar 2016 – Feb 2017 Report No. 14182 (28.2)
Summer BUS – Impact Points 5-8
Points P5 P6 P7 P8 Class heights Below 30 metres RSA Below 30 metres RSA Below 30 metres RSA Below 30 metres RSA Species/ Replicate number 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 3 7 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 1 3 7 8 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 1 4 6 7 8 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 1 4 7 8 Australian Magpie 6 4 5 2 4 4 4 10 2 2 2 2 4 2 6 4 2 2 2 4 6 4 4 2 8 2 4 3 4 Australian Pipit 2 2 2 2 1 4 2 2 2 4 2 2 2 Australian Wood Duck 11 10 Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike 1 2 1 2 1 2 2 2 1 Brown Falcon 2 Brown Thornbill 4 Brown-headed Honeyeater 6 4 Common Bronzewing 1 2 2 Common Starling 16 12 16 6 6 6 20 10 Crimson Rosella 2 2 2 4 2 2 2 8 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 4 2 2 2 2 2 Eastern Rosella 2 2 Eastern Spinebill 2 Fantailed Cuckoo 2 Galah 4 8 2 4 7 2 2 Grey Butcherbird 1 1 Grey Currawong 1 Grey Fantail 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 Grey Shrike-thrush 2 1 1 1 6 1 2 2 1 1 Laughing Kookaburra 2 2 2 2 Leaden Flycatcher 1 Magpie-lark 2 2 2 Nankeen Kestrel 1 1 1 2 3 2 1 1 2 1 1 2 2 Noisy Friarbird 2 2 2 Noisy Miner 4 4 Pied Currawong 2 2 2 Raven 3 4 2 5 3 2 4 2 12 6 7 6 6 6 2 2 30 4 18 8 14 24 10 20 6 18 5 10 12 10 26 16 Red Wattlebird 2 2 Rufous Whistler 2 Spotted Pardalote 2 2 Striated Pardalote 2 4 2 2 2 4 4 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 Sulphur-crested Cockatoo 5 4 4 4 16 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 6 6 2 3 5 6 10 2 2 Superb Fairywren 5 Welcome Swallow 2 4 4 4 4 White-eared Honeyeater 2 2 2 2 White-faced Heron 1 White-fronted Chat 4 White-throated 2 2 Treecreeper White-winged Cough 10 7 6 Willie Wagtail 2
Page | 105 Gullen Range Wind Farm – Annual Report Mar 2016 – Feb 2017 Report No. 14182 (28.2)
Points P5 P6 P7 P8 Class heights Below 30 metres RSA Below 30 metres RSA Below 30 metres RSA Below 30 metres RSA Species/ Replicate number 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 3 7 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 1 3 7 8 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 1 4 6 7 8 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 1 4 7 8 Yellow-faced Honeyeater 2 4 2 4 4 2 4 2 4 Yellow-rumped Thornbill 10 6 10 4 6 Total 30 42 29 29 46 30 16 55 2 2 24 35 11 20 21 31 19 22 2 2 2 2 51 25 28 19 33 43 26 48 1 1 2 2 6 26 34 17 38 23 39 41 52 2 2 2 4
Page | 106 Gullen Range Wind Farm – Annual Report Mar 2016 – Feb 2017 Report No. 14182 (28.2)
Summer BUS – Reference Points 1-2
Points R1 R2 Class heights Below 30 metres RSA Below 30 metres RSA Species/ Replicate number 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 2 7 8 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 6 7 8 Australian Magpie 6 4 16 4 6 6 6 6 2 2 3 3 2 4 7 Australian Pipit 2 2 4 4 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 Australian White Ibis 2 Australian Wood Duck 10 6 8 7 6 8 10 2 3 4 2 8 Brown Goshawk 1 Collared Sparrowhawk 1 Common Starling 4 10 16 4 12 20 20 16 Crimson Rosella 2 2 2 2 6 2 Eastern Rosella 2 2 2 2 European Goldfinch 20 16 Galah 2 2 2 2 Grey Currawong 2 Grey Shrike-thrush 2 Grey Teal 2 2 Laughing Kookaburra 2 2 2 Little Pied Cormorant 2 Magpie-lark 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 Pacific Black Duck 2 2 Raven 2 2 2 2 3 2 6 3 4 2 4 3 Red Wattlebird 2 2 Red-rumped Parrot 6 4 Sulphur-crested Cockatoo 7 4 2 2 2 5 4 5 2 Superb Fairywren 5 5 Tree Martin 2 16 6 4 Welcome Swallow 10 6 22 14 16 White-faced Heron 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 White-necked Heron 1 Willie Wagtail 2 2 Yellow-rumped Thornbill 6 Total 21 19 33 27 25 26 25 25 2 1 6 33 55 16 66 44 58 65 33 8 4 3
Page | 107 Gullen Range Wind Farm – Annual Report Mar 2016 – Feb 2017 Report No. 14182 (28.2)
Appendix 2: Summary of bird mortality associated with wind turbines from March 2016 to February 2017 Distance Bearing Report (R)/ Feather Turbine Season Date Common name from from spot (FS)/ Incidental Notes number turbine (m) turbine (°) (INC) Autumn 15/03/2016 Crimson Rosella BAN 02 40 130 FS 3.1 Autumn 14/04/2016 Grey Shrike Thrush BAN 21 56 200 R 4.2 Fresh Carcass. Autumn 15/04/2016 Crimson Rosella POM 17 40 165 R 4.3 A pair of wings, part of a leg and many feathers. Autumn 6/04/2016 Fan-tailed Cuckoo GUR 04 31 207 INC 4.1 Autumn 12/04/2016 Black-faced Cuckoo Shrike BAN 11 62 290 FS 4.1 Scattered feathers and three wing feathers. Autumn 16/05/2016 Australian Raven BAN 21 32 260 R 5.1 Body heavily decayed. Autumn 16/05/2016 Australian Magpie BAN 26 15 60 R 5.2 Very old carcass. Autumn 18/05/2016 Crimson Rosella POM 20 35 295 FS 5.1 Fifty feathers. Winter 27/07/2016 Wedge-tailed Eagle KIA 01 40 220 INC 7.1 Bird well decayed, in one piece. Approximately 3 weeks old. Winter 16/08/2016 Australian Magpie BAN 02 80 95 R 8.1 Feathers and one complete wing. The eagle was observed flying very close to turbines GUR 10 and Winter 17/08/2016 Wedge-tailed Eagle GUR 12 112 145 R 8.2 GUR 11 prior to colliding with GUR 12 at 11:33am. Winter 18/08/2016 Australian Wood Duck POM 21 4 370 INC 8.1 Blood around bill, intact carcass. Spring 13/09/2016 Galah BAN 11 14 40 R 9.1 Dry, probably scavenged by maggots and not a large scavenger. Spring 13/09/2016 Sulphur-crested Cockatoo BAN 15 70 240 R 9.2 Scavenged by maggots, all body parts still present. Spring 12/09/2016 Australian Wood Duck POM 07 14 230 INC 9.1 Spring 13/09/2016 Australian Wood Duck BAN 24 1 124 INC 9.2 Very fresh. Spring 14/09/2016 Little-pied Cormorant BAN 25 25 200 INC 9.03 One whole wing. Spring 10/10/2016 Australian Wood Duck POM 04 16 120 R 10.01 Breast freshly eaten. Spring 11/10/2016 Australian Magpie POM 05 5 190 R 10.02 Eaten by maggots. Spring 11/10/2016 Laughing Kookaburra BAN 22 2 315 INC 10.01 Decaying body. Spring 11/11/2016 Laughing Kookaburra POM 13 3 70 R 11.1 Well scavenged Spring 12/11/2016 Australian Magpie BAN 15 25 20 R 11.2 Juvenile magpie, fresh carcass. Summer 12/12/2016 Common Bronzewing POM 14 10 169 R 12.01 Mostly feathers and skeletal remains of wings Summer 14/12/2016 Australian Magpie GUR 04 8 213 FS 12.01 Approx. 40 feathers, mainly breast and tail feathers Summer 17/01/2017 Sulphur-crested Cockatoo BAN 02 55 150 R 13.01 Scavenged and infested with maggots at the breast muscles. Summer 16/01/2017 Little-pied Cormorant POM 10 70 110 FS 13.01 Few primary feathers. Summer 17/01/2017 White-faced Heron BAN 02 10 265 FS 13.02 Summer 17/01/2017 Raven species BAN 02 75 230 FS 13.03 20 plus feathers, mainly breast and some wing and back Summer 17/01/2017 Nankeen Kestrel GUR 11 48 170 FS 13.04 feathers. Summer 17/01/2017 Sulphur-crested Cockatoo BAN 10 10 44 INC 13.02 Dry, scavenged by maggots. Summer 19/01/2017 Nankeen Kestrel GUR 10 22 325 INC 13.09 Strike on back. Summer 14/02/2017 Australian Magpie BAN 05 20 340 FS 14.01 Remains of wing feathers. Summer 15/02/2017 Wedge-tailed eagle POM 03 35 160 INC 14.02 Old carcass, well decayed, whole body, 3-4 dwks old.
Page | 108 Gullen Range Wind Farm – Annual Report Mar 2016 – Feb 2017 Report No. 14182 (28.2)
Appendix 3: Summary of bat mortality associated with wind turbines from March 2016 to February 2017 Est. age of Distance Bearing Est. fatality Turbine Season Date Common Name Report Number Status of carcass carcass from turbine from Notes date number (days) (m) turbine (°) Autumn 16/03/2016 Large Forest Bat R 3.1 Old and decayed >3 2/03/2016 POM 17 48 310 Very old and decayed. Autumn 16/03/2016 Gould's Wattled Bat R 3.2 Old and decayed >3 12/03/2016 BAN 26 85 348 Old, scavenged. Autumn 11/04/2016 Large Forest Bat R4.1 Old and decayed >3 POM 04 52 175 Dry skin only.
Spring 17/11/2016 Southern Forest Bat R 11.3 Fresh <1 17/11/2016 POM 13 48 270
Spring 18/11/2016 Large Forest Bat R 11.4 Old and decayed >3 10/11/2016 BAN 21 3 220 Decayed carcass. Summer 17/01/2017 White-striped Freetail Bat R 13.02 Fresh <1 16/01/2017 BAN 02 2 260 Fresh carcass. Summer 17/01/2017 Gould's Wattled Bat R 13.03 Fresh 1-3 days 15/01/2017 BAN 13 14 220 Intact whole body. Summer 17/01/2017 White-striped Freetail Bat R 13.04 Fresh <1 16/01/2017 BAN 22 5 280 Fresh - intact. Summer 18/01/2017 Large Forest Bat R 13.05 Old and decayed >3 11/01/2017 POM 04 30 Dry skin.
Summer 18/01/2017 White-striped Freetail Bat R 13.06 Old and decayed >3 14/01/2017 POM 08 38 88 Dry skin - scavenged by maggots. Summer 16/01/2017 Southern Forest Bat R 13.07 Old and decayed >3 9/01/2017 POM 13 20 145 Dry. Summer 17/01/2017 White-striped Freetail Bat R 13.08 Old and decayed >3 1/01/2017 GUR 13 1 180 Old and decayed. Summer 18/01/2017 White-striped Freetail Bat R 13.09 Fresh 1-3 days 16/01/2017 POM 14 5 279 Already eaten by maggots and ants. Summer 19/01/2017 White-striped Freetail Bat R 13.10 Fresh 1-3 days 16/01/2017 GUR 04 30 317 Eaten by beatles and maggots. Summer 19/01/2017 Gould's Wattled Bat R 13.11 Old and decayed >3 3/01/2017 GUR 17 60 334 Well decayed. Summer 17/01/2017 White-striped Freetail Bat INC 13.01 Fresh <1 16/01/2017 KIA 01 20 200 Intact body. Summer 17/01/2017 Gould's Wattled Bat INC 13.03 Old and decayed >3 10/01/2017 BAN 24 50 120 Dry skin. Summer 19/01/2017 Large Forest Bat INC 13.04 Old and decayed >3 12/01/2017 POM 02 2 10 Dry skin. Summer 16/01/2017 White-striped Freetail Bat INC 13.05 Fresh <1 15/01/2017 POM 23 9 350 Right wing broken. Summer 16/01/2017 White-striped Freetail Bat INC 13.06 Old and decayed >3 1/01/2017 POM 12 11 283 Very old. Summer 18/01/2017 White-striped Freetail Bat INC 13.07 Fresh 1-3 days 16/01/2017 POM 09 11 357 Trauma to left side of head. Summer 18/01/2017 Large Forest Bat INC 13.08 Old and decayed >3 14/01/2017 POM 21 5 104 Eaten by maggots, decayed. Summer 13/02/2017 White-striped Freetail Bat R 14.01 Fresh <1 12/02/2017 POM 01 35 130 Fresh, still alive when collected-shocked Summer 13/02/2017 White-striped Freetail Bat R 14.02 Fresh 1-3 days 12/02/2017 POM 01 60 240 Injury on abdomen Summer 13/02/2017 Gould's Wattled Bat R 14.03 Old, dry 7 days 6/02/2017 POM 14 35 160 old & dry Summer 14/02/2017 White-striped Freetail Bat R 14.04 Fresh <1 13/02/2017 GUR 11 60 170 Fresh Summer 14/02/2017 White-striped Freetail Bat R 14.05 Fresh <1 13/02/2017 BAN 02 25 20 Fresh Summer 14/02/2017 White-striped Freetail Bat R 14.06 Start decay 2 days 12/02/2017 BAN 07 48 250 attacked by maggots Summer 14/02/2017 White-striped Freetail Bat R 14.07 Fresh <1 13/02/2017 GUR 17 56 47 no injury Summer 14/02/2017 White-striped Freetail Bat R 14.08 start decay 1-3 days 12/02/2017 BAN 15 28 74 damaged abdomen Summer 15/02/2017 White-striped Freetail Bat R 14.09 Fresh <1 14/02/2017 POM 20 47 228 fresh no injury Summer 16/02/2017 White-striped Freetail Bat R 14.10 Fresh <1 15/02/2017 BAN 05 42 92 Fresh, no injury Summer 14/02/2017 White-striped Freetail Bat INC 14.01 Decayed >3 days 10/02/2017 GUR 15 6 110 Old and decayed.
Page | 109 Gullen Range Wind Farm – Annual Report Mar 2016 – Feb 2017 Report No. 14182 (28.2)
Appendix 4: Gullen Rage Mortality Estimates – 2015 and 2016 (Symbolix)
Page | 110
To: Inga Kulik Brett Lane & Associates Via EMAIL
Main Author: Elizabeth Stark & Marco Lombardi DocID: BLAGULL20161109 Date: 16th November 2016 CC:
Re: Gullen Range Mortality Estimates - 2016
Dear Inga,
This report outlines the result of a statistical analysis of the mortality data collected at Gullen Range from 15th March 2016 until 11th October 2016 (approximately 19 months). The analysis is broken into three related components below:
• Searcher efficiency / detectability • Scavenger loss rates • Mortality estimates The data was collected and provided by Brett Lane and Associates (BL&A) and is analysed 'as-is'. A brief summary of the data is provided below, but the ultimate focus of this report is a discussion of the potential mortality.
Available Data The data analysed was collected, verified and provided to us from BL&A (November 2016). The files consisted of data for searcher efficiency trials, scavenger efficiency trials, and the carcass finds. We consider each component in turn below.
Searcher Efficiency Data has been provided for the searcher efficiency (detectability) trial, which was run at Gullen Range. Two studies were carried out, one in June 2015 and the other in July 2016. An additional searcher efficiency trial is scheduled to take place in November 2016.
The searcher efficiency trials were undertaken to assess the efficiency of the observers who conducted the carcass searches at Gullen Range Wind Farm during this period.
Excluding the scavenged replicates, there were 35 observations in total (18 bats and 17 “birds”). As bird archetypes, a number of medium and large birds were employed. Among them were Common Starlings, Common Mynahs and Red-rumped Parrots as medium size archetypes, and Galahs, Laughing Kookaburras, Wedge-tailed Eagles, Magpie-larks, Crimson Rosellas, Sulphur-crested Cockatoos, Australian Magpies, and Peregrine Falcons as large size archetypes.
Birds (especially large species) can have higher detectability than bats, so their use in a detectability aggregate can possibly underestimate the loss due to searcher efficiency. However, using a combined species set increases the sample size, reducing uncertainty in
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the overall estimate. With this in mind, we have three views of the possible searcher efficiency rate summarised in:
• All data combined, • Bats only, • Birds only (medium and large bird archetypes).
Table 1: Detection Efficiencies for Various carcass types (excluding scavenged)
Detectability: Detectability: Mean lower bound upper bound Number Number Class detectability (95% (95% Found Placed (%) confidence confidence interval) interval) Total 30 35 0.857 0.697 0.952 Bats 14 18 0.778 0.524 0.936 Medium Birds 6 7 0.857 0.421 0.996 Large Birds 10 10 1 0.692 1
In this study, there is no distinction between areas with potential different detectability (e.g. Inner and Outer Zone) as every deployed bait was placed in the Inner zone (<60 m). The records attest that 5 of the trials were scavenged before detectability trials were completed. The difference in detectability between Bats (77.8%) and birds (94.1%) is not statistically significant (n=35, t=1.32 (pooled variance t-test), p=0.1). This is particularly true between Bats and Medium size birds (n=25, t=0.44 (pooled variance t-test), p=0.3). Therefore we conclude that it is safe to use the total detection aggregate, ensuring a more robust estimate by combining the groups into a single average searcher efficiency.
The mean searcher efficiency for the Bats and Birds then is 85.7% with a confidence interval of [69.7%, 95.2%].
Scavenger Efficiency The scavenger efficiency trial data was collected immediately after the detection trials (n=20), starting on the 5th of July and ending on the 4th of August 2016. The same mix of bats and birds was used to measure the scavenger activity. The results of this trial were combined with the trial carried out in June 2015 (n=40), while another trial will take place between the 13th November and the 13th December 2016. The monitored days for the trial conducted in July 2016 are reported in Table 2.
Not all the carcasses were removed by scavengers by the end of the experiment (technically we say this data is ‘right-censored’ because we do not know the end of the interval exactly. In 10 cases out of 60 we have right-censored intervals. Among those there were 2 Forest Bats, 3 White-striped Freetail Bats and 5 birds.
Survival analysis was used to determine the average time until complete loss to scavenge [1]. Survival (or failure-time) analysis is required to account for the fact that we do not know the exact time of scavenge, only an interval in which the scavenge event happened (technically, we have censored data). Survival analysis accounts for this and fits a curve to
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the data, which is used to estimate the average survival percentage after a given length of time.
Running the detectability trial at the start of the scavenger trial means that the carcasses were checked within two hours of placing them. To account for this we have assumed that if the carcass was lost in the first day, after the detectability trial, it must have survived at least 15 minutes, but no more than two hours. The disappearance rate is calculated as the expectation in days that carcasses remain on the ground before being taken by a scavenger.
Table 2: Scavenger trial, days monitored
Survey Lags Days Monitored 2 hours lag Between placement and measurement in Day 1 Daily Between Days 1-2, 2-3, 3-4, 4-5, 5-6 Every 2 days Between Days 6-8, 8-10 Every 3 days Between Days 10-13, 13-16, 22-25 Every 4 days Between Days 16-22, 25-31
Figure 1: Survival curves showing the two types of carcasses
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Figure 2: Combined survival curve with confidence interval
Note on the shape of the scavenge loss curve There are three general types of scavenger behaviour:
• "perfect" • "olfactory" • "visual" These names are classifiers only, and not necessarily accurate descriptions of the actual processes employed by the scavenger. A "perfect" scavenger will find the carcass with constant efficiency, irrespective of the amount of time it has lain on the ground. "Visual" scavengers are more efficient in the earlier period post-mortem, and are less likely to find a carcass the longer it has lain there. "Olfactory" scavengers are the opposite of "visual" scavengers. They require the carcass to lie for some period, before their efficiency of detection increases.
Due to the small number of trials, we have focussed on the mean loss rate, and not the shape. This means that we have assumed all scavengers to be "perfect," which is the middle scenario type.
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There were 60 scavenger trial replicates, consisting of 30 bats and 30 birds. Figure 1 and Figure 2 show the survival curves fitted to the two archetypes, and the dataset. In this case, there is little evidence to suggest a difference between the bird and bat carcasses for scavenger loss efficiency (p=0.66). Therefore the combined curve will be used as an input to the mortality projection.
Under these assumptions the mean time to total loss via scavenge for all species is 9.5 days, with a confidence window of [7.2, 12.6] days.
Mortality Projection
Carcass search data Carcass searches were carried out monthly at 24 fixed turbine sites from March to October 2016 (218 days in total). Each site was searched twice during a five day period.
At Gullen Range there are two different turbine types (Table 3) differing by rotor blade, height and revolutions per minute:
• Six monitoring sites employ a GW82-1.5MW turbine type; • The other 18 employ a GW100-2.5MW type.
Table 3: Carcass searches sites and turbine type
Fixed target turbine sites BAN 02 (GW100) POM 01 (GW100) GUR 01 (GW100) BAN 05 (GW100) POM 04 (GW100) GUR 04 (GW85) BAN 07 (GW100) POM 08 (GW85) GUR 07 (GW85) BAN 11 (GW100) POM 10 (GW85) GUR 09 (GW100) BAN 13 (GW100) POM 13 (GW100) GUR 11 (GW100) BAN 15 (GW100) POM 14 (GW85) GUR 12 (GW100) BAN 21 (GW85) POM 17 (GW100) GUR 13 (GW100) BAN 26 (GW100) POM 20 (GW100) GUR 17 (GW100)
The search covered a 60m radius area in 6m transects in the Inner Zone, and a 100m radius area in 12m transects in the Outer Zone. The initial search was carried out from the turbine bases to the 100m of the Outer Zone, while a pulsed search was conducted later in the Inner Zone only.
Assumptions need be made regarding the actual turbine visitations for the mortality estimation. A recreation of the survey method used during the carcass searches and the physical turbines visited is shown in Table 4. The species found during this period consisted of 3 bats and 20 birds, as reported in Table 5.
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Table 4: Survey Dates used for the mortality estimation
Date Survey Protocol Turbines searched BAN 02, BAN 05, BAN 07, BAN 11, BAN 13, BAN 15, BAN 21, BAN 26, 1/03/16 Inner and Outer Zones POM 01, POM 04, POM 08, POM 10 POM 13, POM 14, POM 17, POM 20, GUR 01, GUR 04, GUR 07, GUR 09, 2/03/16 Inner and Outer Zones GUR 11, GUR 12, GUR 13, GUR 17 BAN 02, BAN 05, BAN 07, BAN 11, BAN 13, BAN 15, BAN 21, BAN 26, 4/03/16 Inner Zone POM 01, POM 04, POM 08, POM 10 POM 13, POM 14, POM 17, POM 20, GUR 01, GUR 04, GUR 07, GUR 09, 5/03/16 Inner Zone GUR 11, GUR 12, GUR 13, GUR 17 BAN 02, BAN 05, BAN 07, BAN 11, BAN 13, BAN 15, BAN 21, BAN 26, 1/04/16 Inner and Outer Zones POM 01, POM 04, POM 08, POM 10 POM 13, POM 14, POM 17, POM 20, GUR 01, GUR 04, GUR 07, GUR 09, 2/04/16 Inner and Outer Zones GUR 11, GUR 12, GUR 13, GUR 17 BAN 02, BAN 05, BAN 07, BAN 11, BAN 13, BAN 15, BAN 21, BAN 26, 4/04/16 Inner Zone POM 01, POM 04, POM 08, POM 10 POM 13, POM 14, POM 17, POM 20, GUR 01, GUR 04, GUR 07, GUR 09, 5/04/16 Inner Zone GUR 11, GUR 12, GUR 13, GUR 17 BAN 02, BAN 05, BAN 07, BAN 11, BAN 13, BAN 15, BAN 21, BAN 26, 1/05/16 Inner and Outer Zones POM 01, POM 04, POM 08, POM 10 POM 13, POM 14, POM 17, POM 20, GUR 01, GUR 04, GUR 07, GUR 09, 2/05/16 Inner and Outer Zones GUR 11, GUR 12, GUR 13, GUR 17 BAN 02, BAN 05, BAN 07, BAN 11, BAN 13, BAN 15, BAN 21, BAN 26, 4/05/16 Inner Zone POM 01, POM 04, POM 08, POM 10 POM 13, POM 14, POM 17, POM 20, GUR 01, GUR 04, GUR 07, GUR 09, 5/05/16 Inner Zone GUR 11, GUR 12, GUR 13, GUR 17 BAN 02, BAN 05, BAN 07, BAN 11, BAN 13, BAN 15, BAN 21, BAN 26, 1/06/16 Inner and Outer Zones POM 01, POM 04, POM 08, POM 10 POM 13, POM 14, POM 17, POM 20, GUR 01, GUR 04, GUR 07, GUR 09, 2/06/16 Inner and Outer Zones GUR 11, GUR 12, GUR 13, GUR 17 BAN 02, BAN 05, BAN 07, BAN 11, BAN 13, BAN 15, BAN 21, BAN 26, 4/06/16 Inner Zone POM 01, POM 04, POM 08, POM 10 POM 13, POM 14, POM 17, POM 20, GUR 01, GUR 04, GUR 07, GUR 09, 5/06/16 Inner Zone GUR 11, GUR 12, GUR 13, GUR 17 BAN 02, BAN 05, BAN 07, BAN 11, BAN 13, BAN 15, BAN 21, BAN 26, 1/07/16 Inner and Outer Zones POM 01, POM 04, POM 08, POM 10 POM 13, POM 14, POM 17, POM 20, GUR 01, GUR 04, GUR 07, GUR 09, 2/07/16 Inner and Outer Zones GUR 11, GUR 12, GUR 13, GUR 17 BAN 02, BAN 05, BAN 07, BAN 11, BAN 13, BAN 15, BAN 21, BAN 26, 4/07/16 Inner Zone POM 01, POM 04, POM 08, POM 10 POM 13, POM 14, POM 17, POM 20, GUR 01, GUR 04, GUR 07, GUR 09, 5/07/16 Inner Zone GUR 11, GUR 12, GUR 13, GUR 17 BAN 02, BAN 05, BAN 07, BAN 11, BAN 13, BAN 15, BAN 21, BAN 26, 1/08/16 Inner and Outer Zones POM 01, POM 04, POM 08, POM 10 POM 13, POM 14, POM 17, POM 20, GUR 01, GUR 04, GUR 07, GUR 09, 2/08/16 Inner and Outer Zones GUR 11, GUR 12, GUR 13, GUR 17 BAN 02, BAN 05, BAN 07, BAN 11, BAN 13, BAN 15, BAN 21, BAN 26, 4/08/16 Inner Zone POM 01, POM 04, POM 08, POM 10 POM 13, POM 14, POM 17, POM 20, GUR 01, GUR 04, GUR 07, GUR 09, 5/08/16 Inner Zone GUR 11, GUR 12, GUR 13, GUR 17 BAN 02, BAN 05, BAN 07, BAN 11, BAN 13, BAN 15, BAN 21, BAN 26, 1/09/16 Inner and Outer Zones POM 01, POM 04, POM 08, POM 10 POM 13, POM 14, POM 17, POM 20, GUR 01, GUR 04, GUR 07, GUR 09, 2/09/16 Inner and Outer Zones GUR 11, GUR 12, GUR 13, GUR 17 BAN 02, BAN 05, BAN 07, BAN 11, BAN 13, BAN 15, BAN 21, BAN 26, 4/09/16 Inner Zone POM 01, POM 04, POM 08, POM 10 POM 13, POM 14, POM 17, POM 20, GUR 01, GUR 04, GUR 07, GUR 09, 5/09/16 Inner Zone GUR 11, GUR 12, GUR 13, GUR 17 BAN 02, BAN 05, BAN 07, BAN 11, BAN 13, BAN 15, BAN 21, BAN 26, 1/10/16 Inner and Outer Zones POM 01, POM 04, POM 08, POM 10
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POM 13, POM 14, POM 17, POM 20, GUR 01, GUR 04, GUR 07, GUR 09, 2/10/16 Inner and Outer Zones GUR 11, GUR 12, GUR 13, GUR 17 BAN 02, BAN 05, BAN 07, BAN 11, BAN 13, BAN 15, BAN 21, BAN 26, 4/10/16 Inner Zone POM 01, POM 04, POM 08, POM 10 POM 13, POM 14, POM 17, POM 20, GUR 01, GUR 04, GUR 07, GUR 09, 5/10/16 Inner Zone GUR 11, GUR 12, GUR 13, GUR 17
Table 5: Species found during the carcass survey
Species Counts Australian Magpie 3 Australian Raven 1 Australian Wood Duck 4 Black-faced Cuckoo Shrike 1 Crimson Rosella 3 Fan-tailed Cuckoo 1 Galah 1 Gould’s Wattled Bat 1 Grey Shrike Thrush 1 Large Forest Bat 2 Laughing Kookaburra 1 Little-pied Cormorant 1 Sulphur-crested Cockatoo 1 Wedge-tailed Eagle 2
Mortality estimation – methodology Using the estimates for scavenge loss and searcher efficiency, we then expand the number of bird and bat carcasses detected into an estimate of overall mortality at Gullen Range for Autumn/Winter 2016.
The mortality estimation is done via two Monte-Carlo simulations, one for bats and one for birds. Each used 30000 simulations of the survey design. Random numbers of virtual mortalities were constructed, along with the scavenge loss time and searcher efficiency (based on the measured confidence intervals). The proportion of virtual carcasses that were “found” was recorded for each simulation. Finally those trials that had the same outcome as the reported survey detections were collated, and the initial conditions (i.e. how many true losses there were) reported on.
This simulator has been found to perform comparably to other theoretical estimators (e.g. [2]), but more easily incorporates changing or complex survey designs.
The complete set of model assumptions are listed below.
• There were 73 turbines on site. • Search frequency for each turbine was taken from a list of actual survey dates provided by BL&A, matching the protocol outlined above.
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• Mortalities were allowed to occur for up to a month before the initial survey and until the final surveyed date. • We assumed that bats are present at all times during this period. • We assumed that finds are random and not clustered with other finds. • There was equal chance of any individual turbine being involved in a collision/mortality. • We assumed an exponential scavenge shape ("perfect” scavengers). • We took scavenge loss and search efficiency rates from the above trial results (highlighted in blue in previous sections). • We assumed a “One shot” constant detectability; i.e. if a carcass was on the ground and not detected, it would not be detected on the following survey either. • We included an estimate of the total fall zone surveyed for birds and bats (using estimates from [3]). Gullen Range runs 56 turbines type “GW 100 – 2.5 MW”, with a rotor diameter of 100m and a 80m tower, and 17 turbines type “GW 82 – 1.5 MW”, with a rotor diameter of 80m and 85m tower. This is roughly equivalent to a medium turbine in [3]. Due to the complexity of the site, however, the ballistics models were re-run for the specific turbine models and mix. All searches were conducted to a radius of 60m from the base of the turbine in 6m transects, and to a radius of 100m with 12m transects. This implies that 99% of the fall zone of bats were covered in the inner zone, and 100% in the Inner and Outer Zone. For birds, the area covered within 60m from a turbine is about 64% and 99% within 100m.
Bat mortality estimate – results During the survey period (March to October 2016) a total of three bats were found. The resulting estimate of total mortality, accounting for searcher efficiency, scavenge rate, search area and timing of surveys is an average (mean) of 34 bats lost on site over 8 months.
Table 6 and Figure 3 display the percentiles of the distribution, to show the confidence interval in this average.
Based on the detected carcasses and measured detectability and scavenge rate, we expect that there was a total site loss of 34 bats over the survey period, and are 95% confident that less than 65 individuals were lost.
0% 50% Average 90% 95% 99% 100% (minimum) (median) (mean) (maximum) 7 32 34 54 65 88 101 Table 6: Percentiles of estimated total losses (bats) over the survey period.
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Figure 3: Empirical Distribution of Bats’ Total Losses
A more conservative approach would be to account for the detection rate for bats only (77.8%). This detection rate is smaller than the birds’ detection but not enough to claim a statistical difference at a 95% confidence level. The mortality projection we would get is similar to the one reported (34 loss in average) proving robustness in the model results.
Bird mortality estimate - results In total there were 20 bird carcasses found during formal surveys. Given the observed searcher and scavenge efficiency, and the area covered by the search we expect (on average) to find 199 birds lost over the 8 months. The percentiles of the distribution are shown in Table 7.
Based on the detected carcasses and measured detectability and scavenge rate, we expect that there was a total site loss of 199 birds over the survey period from March to October 2016, and are 95% confident that less than 279 individuals were lost.
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Table 7: Percentiles of estimated total losses (birds) over the survey period.
0% 50% Average 90% 95% 99% 100% (minimum) (median) (mean) (maximum) 97 198 199 259 279 312 353
Figure 4: Empirical Distribution of Birds’ Total Losses
Concluding remarks In evaluating the potential impact, it is important to remember that all mortality estimators have an inherent assumption that there is an unlimited supply of carcasses to be found. In particular, we did not apply an upper limit on the number of bats that could be onsite, and we assumed that bats were present all year round. The ecological feasibility of this assumption should be accounted for if using these results to comment on overall ecological impact.
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We hope that these results assist in discussions about the ongoing environmental management at Gullen Range Wind Farm, particularly where the local bat population in concerned.
If you require further analysis or assistance please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Regards,
Dr Elizabeth Stark Managing Director - Symbolix Pty Ltd, e: [email protected]; m: 0412 075 235.
References [1] Therneau, T. (2012) A Package for Survival Analysis in S. R package version 2.36-14. [2] Huso, M. (2010) An estimator of wildlife fatality from observed carcasses. Environmetrics. 22(3): 318-329 [3] Hull, C. and Muir, S. (2010) Search areas for monitoring bird and bat carcasses at wind farms using a monte-carlo model. Australasian journal of environmental management. 17(2): 77-87.
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Appendix 5: Raw data of all raptor movements recorded at Gullen Range Wind Farm during the monitoring period from March 2016 to February 2017
Map Start Finish Number Flight Minimum Maximum Flight Flight Species Date Age Notes Ref time time of birds height height height direction behaviour South Territorial, 3.01 Wedge-tailed Eagle 16/03/2016 15:22 15:33 1 Adult 20 20 180 east glide, soar North 3.02 Brown Goshawk 17/03/2016 12:15 12:16 1 Adult 30 Flap east 3.03 Brown Falcon 19/03/2016 10:11 10:13 1 Adult 40 20 40 West Flap, glide Flew into valley before landing in a tree. The dark eagle had two white 3.04 Wedge-tailed Eagle 19/03/2016 13:36 13:36 2 Adult 50 30 50 West Flap, glide stripes on its back. 3.05 Brown Falcon 20/03/2016 12:19 12:20 1 Adult 20 20 30 Flap Flew from perch before returning to same tree. 2 adults and North 3.06 Wedge-tailed Eagle 14/03/2016 12:00 12:06 3 80 200 Soaring an immature west soaring, 3.07 Wedge-tailed Eagle 15/03/2016 15:30 15:32 1 Adult 80 East territorial South 3.08 Wedge-tailed Eagle 16/03/2016 16:30 16:32 2 Adults 80 Flap, soar west 4.01 Brown Falcon 13/04/2016 10:09 10:10 1 Adult 30 30 50 East Flap, glide
4.02 Wedge-tailed Eagle 13/04/2016 11:14 11:14 1 Adult 100 100 150 South Glide Flying to the east of the wind farm at great speed.
Soar, 4.03 Nankeen Kestrel 13/04/2016 13:16 13:18 1 Adult 20 20 100 South hover, glide 4.04 Brown Falcon 14/04/2016 11:22 11:23 1 Adult 20 North Flap 4.05 Wedge-tailed Eagle 15/04/2016 11:39 11:41 1 Immature 10 10 30 West Glide, flap North- Glide, soar, 4.06 Wedge-tailed Eagle 15/04/2016 11:39 11:44 1 Adult 10 10 100 east flap South 5.01 Wedge-tailed Eagle 18/05/2016 12:53 12:56 1 Immature 40 40 150 Soar east 5.02 Peregrine Falcon 18/05/2016 13:15 13:16 1 Adult 20 20 30 North Soar South 5.03 Wedge-tailed Eagle 19/05/2016 10:34 10:37 2 Adult 80 20 80 Glide west Territorial, 6.01 Wedge-tailed Eagle 21/06/2016 11:14 11:18 2 Adult 40 20 40 West soar 2 adults and 6.02 Wedge-tailed Eagle 21/06/2016 11:35 11:38 3 60 10 60 South Flap Chasing each other. 1 immature Territorial, 6.03 Wedge-tailed Eagle 22/06/2016 14:05 14:08 1 Adult 80 60 120 North glide North 6.04 Wedge-tailed Eagle 23/06/2016 10:30 10:32 1 Immature 40 40 40 Soar, glide east 6.05 Wedge-tailed Eagle 23/06/2016 10:30 10:32 2 Immature 40 20 80 West Soar
6.06 Wedge-tailed Eagle 23/06/2016 12:18 12:21 1 Immature 40 1 40 West Flap Flapping hard in wind, mobbed by magpies, landed in tree.
6.07 Wedge-tailed Eagle 23/06/2016 12:43 12:49 1 Immature 30 10 60 North Flap North 6.08 Wedge-tailed Eagle 23/06/2016 12:45 13:02 2 Immature 30 20 80 Soar, glide west 6.09 Wedge-tailed Eagle 21/06/2016 9:00 9:02 1 80 80 80 North Flap, soar Passed between BAN 02 and BAN 04. 6.10 Wedge-tailed Eagle 23/06/2016 10:27 10:35 2 Adult 80 80 200 North Soar
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Map Start Finish Number Flight Minimum Maximum Flight Flight Species Date Age Notes Ref time time of birds height height height direction behaviour 7.01 Wedge-tailed Eagle 7/07/2016 12:40 12:44 2 Adult 150 100 200 East Soar, glide Female had two white stripes on her back. South 7.02 Wedge-tailed Eagle 7/07/2016 14:11 14:14 1 Adult 30 30 50 Glide, soar east 8.01 Nankeen Kestrel 15/08/2016 12:57 12:58 1 Adult 30 20 40 West Soar South 8.02 Wedge-tailed Eagle 15/08/2016 12:59 13:03 1 Adult 40 40 120 Soar, glide First seen sitting in tree with large nest. east Territorial, Swooped down to mob an immature eagle near GUR06 before being 8.03 Wedge-tailed Eagle 16/08/2016 12:03 12:11 1 Adult 200 10 200 East soar, glide, mobbed itself by ravens, flew into large woodland. flap South 8.04 Whistling Kite 17/08/2016 10:26 10:29 1 Adult 100 100 180 Soar, glide west
North Adult eagle aggressively mobbing immature eagle near GUR10, Adult 8.05 Wedge-tailed Eagle 17/08/2016 11:17 11:25 1 Adult 100 100 100 west eagle eventually flew away after 5 minutes of mobbing.
After adult eagle stopped mobbing immature eagle the immature eagle 8.06 Wedge-tailed Eagle 17/08/2016 11:17 11:33 1 Immature 100 100 150 South Soar, glide continued to soar very close to GUR11 then toward GUR12 where it was struck by a rotating blade and fell to the ground in 5 pieces.
8.07 Wedge-tailed Eagle 17/08/2016 13:24 13:25 1 Adult 100 10 100 North Glide, flap Mobbed by a raven before landing on a tree. Soar, 8.08 Wedge-tailed Eagle 17/08/2016 14:21 14:26 1 Adult 40 40 80 East Eagle with two white stripes on back, soaring before territorial display. territorial South 8.09 Wedge-tailed Eagle 26/07/2016 10:45 10:48 2 Adult 20 20 100 Soar, flap A pair circling close to POM21 before flying SW towards woodland. west
One pair soaring near GUR05 and towards GUR06, after 20 minutes Soar, another pair of eagles flew in and showed territorial display, soared for 8.10 Wedge-tailed Eagle 31/07/2016 12:05 12:35 4 Adult 20 20 120 West territorial another 10 minutes before moving west and landing in woodland. Were being mobbed by ravens the majority of the time.
Adult and 9.01 Wedge-tailed Eagle 13/09/2016 11:48 11:49 2 20 20 80 North Flap Immature Flap, soar, 9.02 Nankeen Kestrel 14/09/2016 9:59 10:02 2 Adult 20 0 30 East hover, dive 10.01 Brown Goshawk 5/10/2016 9:58 10:00 1 Adult 50 40 70 East Soar 10.02 Wedge-tailed Eagle 7/10/2016 14:35 14:39 1 Immature 50 40 60 East Soar 10.03 Nankeen Kestrel 7/10/2016 15:06 15:06 1 Adult 20 20 20 East Flap Soar, flap, 10.04 Wedge-tailed Eagle 9/10/2016 12:49 12:53 1 Immature 150 150 150 South glide Collard 10.05 12/10/2016 15:06 15:07 1 Adult 30 30 30 West Flap Sparrowhawk 11.01 Wedge-tailed Eagle 16/11/2016 9:36 9:46 2 Adult 200 180 220 Soar 11.02 Nankeen Kestrel 16/11/2016 10:00 10:03 1 Adult 30 20 30 West Soar, glide
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Map Start Finish Number Flight Minimum Maximum Flight Flight Species Date Age Notes Ref time time of birds height height height direction behaviour 11.03 Wedge-tailed Eagle 16/11/2016 15:05 15:06 2 Immature 20 20 40 West Flap North 11.04 Brown Goshawk 18/11/2016 12:35 12:36 1 Adult 30 20 40 Flap, glide west
12.01 Wedge-tailed Eagle 1/12/2016 14:10 14:13 1 Adult 50 40 80 North Circling One young Ad near KIA1 - circled above wind mast then drifted north.
Circling, 12.02 Whistling Kite 5/12/2016 12:40 12:42 1 Adult 100 100 100+ West One kite flying at RSA. soaring Soaring, 12.03 Peregrine Falcon 14/12/2016 10:28 10:29 1 Adult 50 30 50 North circling 12.04 Nankeen Kestrel 14/12/2016 10:28 10:30 1 Adult 70 40 80 West Soaring 12.05 Nankeen Kestrel 14/12/2016 11:50 11:51 1 Adult 40 30 50 South Soaring 13.01 Nankeen Kestrel 17/01/2017 10:21 10:23 1 Adult 20 20 40 South Glide, flap
13.02 Black Falcon 17/01/2017 11:45 11:46 1 Adult 40 30 50 West Glide, flap Flew very close to GUR 04 though blades were not turning.
Soar, 13.03 Wedge-tailed Eagle 18/01/2017 9:53 9:57 1 Adult 40 30 50 South Soaring across farm before rising while kitting. kitting 13.04 Wedge-tailed Eagle 19/01/2017 9:53 9:55 2 Adult 100 20 100 North Soar, dive Parents of fledgling. 13.05 Wedge-tailed Eagle 19/01/2017 9:53 9:58 1 100 80 150 South Soar, glide Presumably the fledgling from nest site below. Kitting, Six Kestrels kitting in easterly winds, diving down to ground catching 13.06 Nankeen Kestrel 19/01/2017 10:03 10:08 6 Adult 10 150 20 North dive grasshoppers. Adult and 14.01 Wedge-tailed Eagle 14/02/2017 11:38 11:41 2 100 60 100 East Soar, glide Immature 14.02 Wedge-tailed Eagle 14/02/2017 11:38 11:40 1 Adult 400 400 500 North Glide North 14.03 Wedge-tailed Eagle 15/02/2017 9:32 9:33 1 Adult 60 40 60 Flap west North 14.04 Wedge-tailed Eagle 15/02/2017 9:32 9:34 1 Adult 40 30 50 Soar west Adult and 14.05 Wedge-tailed Eagle 15/02/2017 10:39 10:44 2 50 30 80 South Soar Immature 14.06 Nankeen Kestrel 16/02/2017 9:43 9:43 1 Adult 10 10 10 West Glide, flap
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