A split second

Wind turbines, while essential to the transition toward renewable energy, can have unintended and often tragic consequences for birds. In a split second, a turbine can strike a bird mid-flight, killing it instantly, causing fatal injuries, or even tearing it apart. The motion blur of the spinning blades makes them difficult for birds to detect or accurately judge, especially for species that soar or hunt while focused on the ground. Even when birds avoid the blades, the surrounding power lines pose another lethal threat, frequently causing electrocution.

Though wind turbines are responsible for only a small percentage of overall bird deaths, their impact is still significant, especially for vulnerable species already struggling against habitat loss, climate change, and other human-driven pressures. Every additional threat compounds their risk of decline or extinction.
Moreover, the construction and presence of wind farms can lead to habitat disruption, displacing birds from nesting and feeding areas or altering migration patterns. Some birds may avoid wind farms altogether, fragmenting their habitats and reducing breeding success.

Fortunately, effective and relatively simple mitigation strategies exist. Studies show that painting a single turbine blade black or purple improves visibility, reducing bird collisions. Sound and ultrasonic deterrents can also help. Despite their potential, these methods remain underused across most wind farms.

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Birds of prey, particularly red kites, are especially vulnerable since they often hover for long periods while hunting. I chose the red kite specifically to narrate this story, not because it is the most affected bird, but purely because it is my favourite bird of prey. Additionally, I remember seeing the news in Luxembourg about two red kites that were killed by newly built wind turbines a few years ago, and it stayed with me, especially as they had also started building some nearby my home at the time. In the UK, they were once nearly extinct, but they have made a remarkable comeback and now grace the skies once more. Red kites also symbolise hope and recovery, which is a very fitting narrative in this instance.

To visualise what often happens upon collision with a wind turbine, I split the red kite into three body components represented by close-up cameos. Its face is carved from tagua nut, the wing from anjan wood, and the tail from padauk wood; they rest on the chest when worn. The wind farm is crafted from ebony wood and sits at the back of the neck, hidden from view, just as the blades are not visible to the birds. I chose ebony wood for its colour because black symbolises death, but it also relates to what could be done to lower the risks of collision, such as painting a blade black.

I chose to incorporate a pink tourmaline to symbolise both the blood that has been shed and the love, compassion, and protection I feel and wish for all birds.
I chose freshwater pearls for my necklace because they symbolise purity, fragility, and the delicate beauty of nature, much like the birds affected by wind turbines. Their organic shapes allude to birds' unpredictable flight and vulnerability in the face of man-made structures. The soft, natural lustre of the pearls reflects the quiet innocence of the lives lost, making them a gentle yet powerful symbol of remembrance and resilience. With this piece, I aim to raise awareness of the complex relationship between clean energy and wildlife, advocating for a future where progress does not come at the cost of nature.