Map shows where wind-energy projects may harm bird habitat

The United States Fish and Wildlife Service released a map of eastern North Carolina Thursday showing how wind-energy projects could overlap with the habitats of birds.

The map shows – in green, yellow, orange and red – the degree of risk to birds should windmills be sited in a specific area. It is intended to guide developers in evaluating the environmental impact of any future project.

"Our aim is to give access to accurate, reliable and consistent information about wildlife,” said Pete Benjamin, field supervisor for the USFWS Raleigh Field Office.