Abstract
Xcel Energy contracted Western EcoSystems Technology, Inc. to conduct a post-construction bird and bat fatality monitoring (PCM) study at the Crowned Ridge II Wind Farm (Project). The study was developed and implemented to estimate bird and bat fatality rates resulting from Project operations. This report presents the results of one year of PCM conducted from March 17 –December 15, 2021.The primary objectives of PCM were to 1) document species occurring as fatalities, 2) estimate bird and bat fatality rates for the study period, 3) qualitatively evaluate spatial and temporal patterns of bird and bat fatalities, 4) qualitatively compare data from PCM studies conducted another wind energy facilities in South Dakota and neighboring states, and 5) document fatalities of sensitive species as a result of collisions with wind turbines at the Project.