WALTHAM, Minn. (AP) - Nesting eagles have idled some wind turbines in Mower County.
A pair of eagles and at least one eaglet have been discovered in a tree among three Xcel Energy turbines near Highway 56 in Sargeant Township.
Xcel Energy spokesman Randy Fordice says the nest has been reported to state and federal wildlife officials. The Post-Bulletin (https://bit.ly/1ThOM6B ) says the utility company has instituted ground and air buffers for contractors to make sure the eagles aren’t disturbed.
Bald eagles are no longer listed as an endangered species, but killing one is still a felony punishable by a $250,000 fine and prison time. When the Pleasant Valley Wind Farm was built, surveys were done to ensure no eagles would be in close proximity to the turbines. But experts say the population has grown since then.
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Information from: Post-Bulletin, https://www.postbulletin.com
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