The Effects of Noise on Birds of Prey: A Study of Peregrine Falcons (Falco peregrinus) in Alaska
Abstract
This report documents the results of a three-year field study to examine the effects of aircraft noise on birds of prey. A preliminary model to predict the effects of aircraft noise on raptors was built and reported in 1990. In 1993, a field research project to test this model was started. The study was proposed to be conducted on the effects of military jet noise on peregrine falcons in Alaska, where the number of breeding pairs was high and increasing and where overflight support from Elmendorf Air Force Base and the Alaskan Air Command was available. The preliminary feasibility study as well as the resulting multi-year field study was a cooperative effort among the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Alaska Biological Research, the University of Alaska at Fairbanks, and Oregon State University. Noise levels at individual eyries were recorded with Animal Noise Monitors (ANMs), which were deployed at nest sites. Responses to military jet overflights and other disturbances by adult peregrine falcons were recorded by direct observation in the field. The study also examined the effects of military jet overflights on nest attendance, time-activity budgets, nestling provisioning rates, nest success and productivity.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 2002
- Accession Number
- ADA412021
Entities
People
- Angela G. Palmer
- Daniel D. Roby
- Michael D. Smith
- Robert J. Ritchie
- Stephen M. Murphy