Assessment of Bird Response to the Migratory Bird Habitat Initiative Using Weather-Surveillance Radar

Sieges, Mason L.; Smolinsky, Jaclyn A.; Baldwin, Michael J.; Barrow, Wylie C.; Randall, Lori; Buler, Jeffrey J.

doi:10.1656/058.013.0112

Cited by 19 publications

(12 citation statements)

References 57 publications

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“…In this context, it would be of interest to investigate if mass migration events are the consequence of a synchronized take-off of a huge number of migrants (for example, under certain atmospheric conditions). Interestingly, radar data, especially those collected over many years, may allow the response of migrants to both habitat degradation and habitat restoration activities to be measured (Sieges et al 2014). Furthermore, we note that forecasting high intensity insect (Hu et al 2016) and bird (Van Doren and Horton 2018) migration over large spatial scales is important for characterizing the properties of migrant-related transport processes, including their dynamics, practical implications (e.g.…”

Section: Quantifying the Role Of Migrants In Ecosystemsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Environmental effects on flying migrants revealed by radar

et al. 2019

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Migratory animals are affected by various factors during their journeys, and the study of animal movement by radars has been instrumental in revealing key influences of the environment on flying migrants. Radars enable the simultaneous tracking of many individuals of almost all sizes within the radar range during day and night, and under low visibility conditions. We review how atmospheric conditions, geographic features and human development affect the behavior of migrating insects and birds as recorded by radars. We focus on flight initiation and termination, as well as in‐flight behavior that includes changes in animal flight direction, speed and altitude. We have identified several similarities and differences in the behavioral responses of aerial migrants including an overlooked similarity in the use of thermal updrafts by very small (e.g. aphids) and very large (e.g. vultures) migrants. We propose that many aerial migrants modulate their migratory flights in relation to the interaction between atmospheric conditions and geographic features. For example, aerial migrants that encounter crosswind may terminate their flight or continue their migration and may also drift or compensate for lateral displacement depending on their position (over land, near the coast or over sea). We propose several promising directions for future research, including the development and application of algorithms for tracking insects, bats and large aggregations of animals using weather radars. Additionally, an important contribution will be the spatial expansion of aeroecological radar studies to Africa, most of Asia and South America where no such studies have been undertaken. Quantifying the role of migrants in ecosystems and specifically estimating the number of departing birds from stopover sites using low‐elevation radar scans is important for quantifying migrant–habitat relationships. This information, together with estimates of population demographics and migrant abundance, can help resolve the long‐term dynamics of migrant populations facing large‐scale environmental changes.

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Section: Quantifying the Role Of Migrants In Ecosystemsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Environmental effects on flying migrants revealed by radar

et al. 2019

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“…Analysis of WSR data has revealed that densities of waterbirds increased in response to temporary wetland habitat established for migrating birds, following the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico (Sieges et al 2014). Similarly, densities of waterfowl as measured by WSR increased in response to restoration of wetland habitat as part of the Wetland Reserve Program in the U.S. (Buler et al 2010).…”

Section: Foraging and Habitat Usementioning

confidence: 99%

Perspectives and challenges for the use of radar in biological conservation

et al. 2019

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Radar is at the forefront for the study of broad‐scale aerial movements of birds, bats and insects and related issues in biological conservation. Radar techniques are especially useful for investigating species which fly at high altitudes, in darkness, or which are too small for applying electronic tags. Here, we present an overview of radar applications in biological conservation and highlight its future possibilities. Depending on the type of radar, information can be gathered on local‐ to continental‐scale movements of airborne organisms and their behaviour. Such data can quantify flyway usage, biomass and nutrient transport (bioflow), population sizes, dynamics and distributions, times and dimensions of movements, areas and times of mass emergence and swarming, habitat use and activity ranges. Radar also captures behavioural responses to anthropogenic disturbances, artificial light and man‐made structures. Weather surveillance and other long‐range radar networks allow spatially broad overviews of important stopover areas, songbird mass roosts and emergences from bat caves. Mobile radars, including repurposed marine radars and commercially dedicated ‘bird radars’, offer the ability to track and monitor the local movements of individuals or groups of flying animals. Harmonic radar techniques have been used for tracking short‐range movements of insects and other small animals of conservation interest. However, a major challenge in aeroecology is determining the taxonomic identity of the targets, which often requires ancillary data obtained from other methods. Radar data have become a global source of information on ecosystem structure, composition, services and function and will play an increasing role in the monitoring and conservation of flying animals and threatened habitats worldwide.

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“…Application of this initiative has continued to grow, including delivery in California, USA, and the United States prairies. Not surprisingly, responses of waterfowl and other waterbirds to the resources provided through these enhanced wetlands has been favorable (Kaminski and Davis , Sieges et al ). Beginning with the 2014 Farm Bill, WHIP was no longer authorized as a stand‐alone program, but activities formerly implemented through it were moved under EQIP, through which additional funding was provided specifically for wildlife‐related activities.…”

Section: Growth Of Waterfowl Conservation In North Americamentioning

confidence: 99%

The history and importance of private lands for North American waterfowl conservation

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Waterfowl conservation in North America provides an example of an abundant wildlife resource that was driven to alarmingly low levels as a result of unregulated exploitation of its populations and habitats, but which has since recovered because of cooperative efforts across multiple countries. Waterfowl conservation in North America began in earnest during the late 19th and early 20th centuries and has developed through international treaties and national policy as well as regional partnerships and supporting efforts of private landowners. In recent years, significant accomplishments have been realized through public-private partnerships that use local knowledge and engagement with stakeholders to develop conservation programs that are compatible with landowner interests and existing farming or ranching operations. Through the presentation of case studies from across North America, we demonstrate there exists no single 'best' program or framework for conserving waterfowl habitat on private lands, although a common denominator for success is robust support from an energized and resourceful partnership. Financial incentives provided a positive encouragement for participation, but private land programs will be most effective long term when they explicitly incorporate the needs of private landowners and generate benefits beyond provision of wildlife habitat. Successful conservation of waterfowl populations into the future will require a suite of programs and strategies and will hinge on our ability to develop conservation solutions that provide mutual benefits to waterfowl and an increasingly diverse private-landowner base.

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Assessment of Bird Response to the Migratory Bird Habitat Initiative Using Weather-Surveillance Radar

Cited by 19 publications

References 57 publications

Environmental effects on flying migrants revealed by radar

Environmental effects on flying migrants revealed by radar

Perspectives and challenges for the use of radar in biological conservation

The history and importance of private lands for North American waterfowl conservation

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