As we said some time ago, birds don't have to pay the price for renewable energy, and that's particularly true when it comes to wind power. This bears repeating because of a new push by some to convince people that the choice is between  alternative energy or bird conservation. This article in the Seattle PI about Marbled Murrelets and a wind power proposal is a classic example. Note the quote:

"That wind farm is a great idea," Rep. Dean Takko, D-Longview. "It's got all the good things going for it, except for that little bird."

As if birds are the problem. The Associated Press is running another piece today called "Tiny prairie grouse could hamper wind energy plans in Texas Panhandle, South Plains" -- note the diminutive reference to a bird under threat of extinction. But research tells us that the only either/or choice we really face on renewable energy is whether we do it right or wrong. Planned properly, wind energy will have a fantastic benefit for humans and birds alike. Why sacrifice the incredible potential of these new technologies by being short-sighted in our application of them?