Abstract
This report details the results of a Phase I Avian Risk Assessment for the proposed Clayton Wind Farm (hereafter the "Project") in the towns of Clayton, Orleans, and Brownville in Jefferson County, New York. This assessment includes: 1) a site visit conducted on November 8 and 9, 2004, 2) a review of the literature and available databases, and 3) written consultations with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS; pending) and New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC; pending). The site visit evaluated habitat in order to determine the type and number of birds likely to nest, forage, rest, or otherwise use the site. The literature and database review examined the avifauna most likely to be present at or surrounding the site and what is known about the impacts to birds at wind power facilities. The written consultations with wildlife agencies sought to clarify bird species of concern in the Project vicinity. Together, this information indicates the type and number of birds that are known or suspected to use the Project site. When incorporated into the risk assessment, this information helps determine the degree of risk to birds from the proposed wind power development.