New insights into the behaviour of seabirds around offshore wind farms
Recent research, in which INBO also participated, provides new insights into the behaviour of seabirds around offshore wind farms. Led by Rosemarie Kentie (NIOZ), the study investigated how lesser black-backed gulls react to offshore wind turbines.
At a colony on the Dutch island of Neeltje Jans, 58 gulls were fitted with GPS transmitters. This enabled the researchers to track whether the birds sought out or avoided wind farms whilst foraging for food. The data was collected before, during and after the breeding season.
Lesser black-backed gulls clearly avoid the wind farm. But why? Is this behaviour a result of the fishing ban in the wind farms, which means fewer gulls are attracted to the area? After all, gulls like to forage behind fishing vessels. Or do the gulls avoid the wind farms regardless, with or without fishing activity?
This question could be answered by examining differences in behaviour on weekdays and at weekends, when there is less fishing activity in the southern North Sea. The study found no difference. The researchers therefore conclude that large gulls, like many other seabirds, avoid wind farms.
The study further revealed differences between individual birds. Males fly through the wind farm more often than females. This is likely linked to their different foraging behaviour: males often forage at sea, whilst females tend to head inland for food.
The insights from this study are important for the further development of offshore wind energy. By better understanding how seabirds use or avoid wind farms, risks to bird populations can be assessed more accurately and new wind farms can be planned in a more nature-friendly way.
Read more: Kentie, R., van Bemmelen, R. S. A., Shamoun-Baranes, J., Stienen, E. W. M., & Fijn, R. C. (2026). Offshore wind farm avoidance by a discard-feeding seabird is independent of local fishing activity. Journal of Animal Ecology, 00, 1–14.