Birds are a major aspect of ecosystems, controlling the insect population and
distributing seeds. Bird watching is also a popular recreational activity.
Resting habitat is necessary to maintain the migratory bird population. Many
of the areas utilized by migratory birds are threatened by fragmentation or
loss of habitat due to urbanization and agriculture. Even though most birds
can change their migratory paths, certain migratory birds, such as geese and
swans, are committed to their stopover sites and cannot change them. With
a narrowing habitat, many birds take refuge at DCR and the surrounding
NWRs. Existing Tools
Numerous studies have been conducted to determine the effect of overflight
on wildlife, including waterfowl. When disturbed by overflight, animal
responses range from mild "annoyance," demonstrated by slight changes in
body position, to more severe reactions, such as panic and escape behavior.
Studies of aircraft impacts suggest that whether or not disturbance occurs,
and whether or not disturbance has a harmful effect depends on a variety of
characteristics associated with both the animal and with the aircraft. Findings
Executive Order 13186
Executive Order 13186 requires that federal agencies protect migratory birds.
If the agency’s actions have a measurable negative effect on migratory bird
populations, a memorandum of understanding must be in place with the
USFWS to promote the conservation of migratory bird populations. The order
also sets the parameters for establishing a Council for the Conservation of
Migratory Birds.
Currently, waterfowl utilizing the DCR appear to be healthy and there
is no active management of waterfowl.
Many areas on and near DCR, including NWRs provide ideal habitat for
both local and migratory birds, which pose a high Bird / Wildlife
Aircraft Strike Hazard (BASH) threat.
When animals are more severely disturbed, escape is the most common
response. Some birds, particularly waterfowl and seabirds, may leave the
area if sufficiently disturbed. Waterfowl biologists and national wildlife refuge
managers have expressed concern about how waterfowl use of open water
and emergent wetland habitats is disrupted by aircraft overflight. Most often,
waterfowl will fly away, but return once the noise levels in the area return to
ambient. However, several refuges have reported that some waterfowl
species have been completely driven off by frequent aircraft activity.
Currently, waterfowl utilizing the DCR and surrounding NWRs appear to be
healthy and there is no active management of the waterfowl at the DCR.
However, an increase in military operations in the area could negatively
impact the waterfowl population surrounding the DCR. Additionally,
collisions with birds in the air are dangerous for pilots, people on the ground,
and aircraft operations in general. Many areas on and near the DCR,
including lakes, rivers, and wetlands provide ideal habitat for both local and
migratory birds, which pose a BASH threat.
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Background Report