Scope and Methodology of Avian Studies for the Cape

Wind Energy Project

Principal Investigators:

 

Jeffrey Burm,

Environmental Science Services, Inc.

90 Route 6A, Unit 4B

Sandwich, Massachusetts 02563

508-833-6226; fax 508-833-9687

jburm@essgroup.com

Jeremy J. Hatch

Biology Department

University of Massachusetts

Boston, Massachusetts 02125

617-287-6615; fax 617-287-6650

Jeremy.hatch@umb.edu

Paul Kerlinger

Curry & Kerlinger, LLC

P.O. Box 453

Cape May Point, New Jersey 08212

609-884-2842; fax 609-884-4569

pkerlinger@aol.com

Scope of Work Results from inter-agency meetings

• Study area includes all proposed alternatives within Nantucket Sound.

• Determine temporal and spatial distribution of avian species.

• Depict and quantify the level of seasonal migratory bird activity.

• Determine life cycle variations of protected and endangered species.

Research Overview

• Conduct various studies utilizing several methodologies over a two-year period.

• Compare results from MassWildlife mid-winter seaduck surveys, CBC, and ongoing research.

• Literature review of potential avian/wind turbine interaction.

Research Techniques

• 26 systematic aerial surveys, 2001-2002.

• 2 systematic boat surveys, 2002.

• 60 days of avian radar surveys during 2002 spring and fall migrations.

Aerial Survey Approach

• Cessna –185 floatplane.• 1 pilot, 1 data collector, 2 observers.• 16 transects approximately 2 kms. between

each. • 200 meter intervals on either side of the

plane at about 250 ft asl.• Surveys conducted at various times of day,

tides and weather.

Flightlines and study areas for avian surveys within Nantucket Sound.

Methodology

• Pilot maintains transect, altitude, and attitude.• Observers identified species, number,

activity, and time.• Data entered into a Global Position System

(GPS)-Trimble Geoexplorer 3.• Data backup using audio tape recordings.• Data differentially corrected and converted

into a Geographic Information System (GIS).

Methodology

• Pilot maintains transect, altitude, and attitude.• Observers identified species, number,

activity, and time.• Data entered into a Global Position System

(GPS)-Trimble Geoexplorer 3.• Data backup using audio tape recordings.• Data differentially corrected and converted

into a Geographic Information System (GIS).

Aerial Survey Benefits

• Temporal and spatial distribution of avian species.

• Presence, precise location and activity of avian species.

• Establishes trends of specific species over a two-year period.

• Minimal disturbance to flocks.

Research Techniques

• 26 systematic aerial surveys, 2001-2002.

• 2 systematic boat surveys in 2002.

• 60 days of avian radar surveys during spring and fall migrations, 2002.

Boat Survey Approach

• 40 ft. Trawler.

• 1 captain, 1 data collector, 2 observers.

• 16 Transects approximately 2 km between each.

• Observations made at 11 ft asl out to about 200 meters on each side of the vessel.

Boat Survey Benefits

• Complements aerial surveys with information on specific species, activity, altitude, and flock size.

• Surveys can be conducted during less favorable weather.

Research Techniques

• 26 systematic aerial surveys, 2001-2002.

• 2 systematic boat surveys in 2002.

• 60 days of avian radar surveys during spring and fall migrations, 2002.

Spring Radar Approach

• 64 ft. jack-up barge. • Positioned in the center of Nantucket

Sound. • On location from May 8-June 8, 2002• Mobile Avian Radar System (MARS)

provided by Geo-Marine, Inc. • 2 radars- vertical and horizontal.• Radars run 24 hours a day.

Radar Methodology

• Automated data collection and storage 24 hours a day.

• Data automatically ported to windows based software.

• Algorithms reduce ground clutter and other radar interference.

• 13 days of “ground-truthing” to validate radar bird identification.

Fall Radar Approach

• Located on Cape Poge, Northeast corner of Martha’s Vineyard.

• At location from Sept. 3 – Oct. 3, 2002.

• Mobile Avian Radar System (MARS) provided by Geo-Marine, Inc.

• 2 radars- vertical and horizontal.

• Radars run 24 hours a day.

Radar Benefits

• Depict and quantify spring and fall migrations.

• Determine life cycle variations of protected and endangered species within Nantucket Sound.

• Collect data at night, at high altitudes and during inclement weather.

Additional Research

• 7 boat surveys during spring/summer/fall 2002.

• 14 aerial surveys through June, 2003.

• Several boat surveys through June, 2003.

• Extensive literature review.