Important bird areas (IBAs) are regions that support specific groups of birds, and one such area is located within Wolfe Island, Kingston. This IBA is deemed both "globally" and "continentally" significant for local and migratory species that frequently pass through. Among the birds found here are multiple at risk species, including the Bank Swallow and Bobolink. Since 

In 2009, 86 724-tonne wind turbines achieved commercial operation on the island. Following a report in 2011, the farm was shown to be responsible for significant bird mortalities, and changes in species concentrations throughout the region were noted.

Wolfe Island turbines have the second highest avian fatality rates in North America, causing 29.1 bird fatalities per turbine per year. Not only do these fatalities decrease population numbers, but disrupt social structures of bird communities, and implicate the survival of mates and dependent juvenilles.

It is essential to implement measures to mitigate bird fatalities. Research supports that passive visual cues such as painting one of three blades of turbines black reduces motion smear, providing daytime visual deterrence to birds: the primary time which they migrate.

Preventing wildlife fatalities will promote community stability and increase avian biodiversity, protecting species within and surrounding Wolfe Island. By demanding that TransAlta commits to painting 1/3 of the blades on their wind-turbines, we can be apart of aiding the conservation of some of Kingston's most vulnerable species. Sign our petition to save the birds!