More dead golden eagles found at Calif. wind farm

MOJAVE, Calif. (AP) — Two more dead golden eagles have been found dead at a California wind farm, bringing the eagle death count to eight at the Tehachapi Mountains site.

Federal wildlife officials are investigating the golden eagle deaths at the Department of Water and Power’s Pine Tree wind farm 100 miles north of Los Angeles near Mojave.

Activists say the behavior of birds should be studied before installation of more wind energy turbines.

The Los Angeles Times (http://lat.ms/y1hxKr ) says investigators haven’t determined the cause of death for the two eagles found on Sunday.

Six golden eagles found dead earlier at the Kern County wind farm were struck by turbine blades.

There are 90 turbines at the 8,000-acre site.

The DWP is developing a bird protection plan designed to mitigate risks to golden eagles.

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Information from: Los Angeles Times, http://www.latimes.com

Copyright 2012 The Associated Press.