Scope and Methodology of Avian Studies for the Cape Wind Energy Project

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• Scope and Methodology of Avian Studies for the
  Cape Wind Energy Project
• Principal Investigators
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Jeffrey Burm, Environmental Science Services,
Inc. 90 Route 6A, Unit 4B Sandwich, Massachusetts
02563 508-833-6226 fax [phone] jburm_at_essgrou
p.com
Paul Kerlinger Curry Kerlinger, LLC P.O. Box
453 Cape May Point, New Jersey 08212 609-884-2842
fax [phone] pkerlinger_at_aol.com
Jeremy J. Hatch Biology Department University of
Massachusetts Boston, Massachusetts
02125 617-287-6615 fax [phone] Jeremy.hatch_at_
umb.edu
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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Flightlines and study areas for avian surveys
within Nantucket Sound.
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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).

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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).

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Boat Survey Benefits

• Complements aerial surveys with information on
  specific species, activity, altitude, and flock
  size.
• Surveys can be conducted during less favorable
  weather.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Fall Radar Approach

• Located on Cape Poge, Northeast corner of
  Marthas 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.

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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.

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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.

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