Bridge structures and birds

[David]

NABU, the leading German conservation organisation, is leading the campaign against the building of a bridge between Fehmarn, Germany and Denmark across the Fehmarn Belt. This area is not only used annually by 6 - 10 million ducks, geese, waders and sea birds, it is on the line of the so-called Baltic Flyway which is used by an estimated 90 million migrating birds each year.

I would be interested on any comments, information or links on the effects (possible or proven) of such structures (and their illunination) on birds. I would be particularly interested in 'before and after' studies if such exist; but also figures for bridges which have been in use for decades or centuries if any attempt has been made to record and analyse bird casualties.

[Tyke]

Perhaps these may provide a few pointers David:-

http://ecology.lifescience.ntu.edu.tw/Data_analysis/Multivariate2/Predicting%20the%20impacts%20of%20urbanization%20o n%20riparian%20bird%20communities.pdf

http://www.fs.fed.us/psw/publications/documents/psw_gtr191/Asilomar/pdfs/1043-1050.pdf


http://www.cnr.usu.edu/crossings/pubdetail.cfm?projname=&locstate=&Submit=Search&offset=71&pID=736


http://futureenergy.org/FloridaFieldNatural.pdf

http://www.urbanwildlands.org/CCC19991026.pdf#search=%22bird%20mortality%20and%2 0bridges%22

http://md1.csa.com/partners/viewrecord.php?requester=gs&collection=ENV&recid=5620090&q=+bridge+construction+birds&uid=788765925&setcookie=yes



Colin

[David]

Perhaps these may provide a few pointers David:


ColinVery useful Colin and thanks.

Interesting comments on danger to man from birds:

Park biologists and the public wanted to reduce mortality of these species, and increase safety of motorists, who were at risk of injury when they collided with large birds, especially pelicans.
And a very telling and succinct set of statements here for a project in California:

The proposed bridge lighting project is of interest because it represents a
conflict with a wild process, the migration of birds along the Pacific Flyway. Problems with the proposed project are fourfold:
1) it has not been subject to the proper level of environmental
review;
2) it would have a significant negative environmental effect in the coastal zone by creating
an attractive nuisance to migrating birds and generally disrupting natural circadian cycles;
3) itwould degrade the night sky in the coastal zone; and
4) it does not minimize energy consumptionas is required for new development in the coastal zone.
David

[David]

NABU, the leading German conservation organisation, is leading the campaign against the building of a bridge between Fehmarn, Germany and Denmark across the Fehmarn Belt. This area is not only used annually by 6 - 10 million ducks, geese, waders and sea birds, it is on the line of the so-called Baltic Flyway which is used by an estimated 90 million migrating birds each year.

I would be interested on any comments, information or links on the effects (possible or proven) of such structures (and their illunination) on birds. I would be particularly interested in 'before and after' studies if such exist; but also figures for bridges which have been in use for decades or centuries if any attempt has been made to record and analyse bird casualties.I have now provided a help text (http://schleswig-holstein.nabu.de/m11/m11_01/05726.html) for the English version of this important campaign for those who have had problems with the German form and others who might have been put off lending their support.