This spring, a deceased European sea eagle was brought to De Museumwinkel.com in Nijmegen for taxidermy. The bird was a victim of a wind turbine in the Eemshaven. We have now mounted the animal, but this tragic incident highlights a harsh reality: every year, thousands of birds die due to wind turbines. It’s time for greater awareness and action.
Request for taxidermy of a Sea Eagle
In April of this year, a European sea eagle was brought to De Museumwinkel.com in Nijmegen after being found beneath a wind turbine in the Eemshaven. Taxidermist Sophie Kiela has mounted the bird so that it gets a second life and won’t be forgotten. The bird was not ringed and had no transmitter, suggesting it was likely not a Dutch eagle but a migratory bird heading north.
During the preparation, it became clear that the eagle had died from a fatal collision with a wind turbine. This was evident from the bone fractures and damaged feathers.
Wind turbines
Wind turbines are often presented as a symbol of sustainability. But behind those blades lies a grim truth: birds pay the price. In the Netherlands, an estimated 30,000 to 50,000 birds die each year from collisions with wind turbines, including many rare species such as sea eagles, buzzards, and harriers.
These birds often fly at rotor height and have no natural defense against these obstacles, a fact supported by research from the University of Amsterdam (UvA).
Why awareness matters
We hope this case raises awareness about bird mortality caused by wind turbines. In many ways, wind turbines are formidable enemies of birds. As a society, we must acknowledge that the energy transition also carries risks and that concrete actions are needed to protect wildlife.
This sea eagle was likely about three years old and would have had many years of life ahead.
About De Museumwinkel.com
De Museumwinkel.com is the largest taxidermy and natural history store in the Netherlands. From our base in Nijmegen, we work to preserve natural history heritage. Our shop and museum collection feature a unique selection of mounted animals, skeletons, curiosities, and rare objects.
Our mission: to make nature tangible and accessible in a responsible way, while raising awareness about the fragility of biodiversity.
For more information or interview requests:
De Museumwinkel.com
Nicolette Naphausen / Sophie Kiela
Van Welderenstraat 114, 6511 MT Nijmegen
E. [email protected] | T. +31 (0)24 360 05 06 | W. www.demuseumwinkel.com
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