INFLUENCE OF LOW-FLYING HELICOPTERS ON THE ROOSTING BEHAVIOR OF BLACKBIRDS AND STARLINGS

Authors

Donald F. Mott, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Kentucky Research Station

Date of this Version

10-1983

Citation

Proceedings Ninth Bird Control Seminar, Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, Ohio, October 4-6, 1983. Ed. William B. Jackson and Beth Jackson Dodd

Comments

Copyright (c) 1983 Donald F. Mott

Abstract

Observations of blackbird and starling reactions to helicopter flyovers were made at 12 winter roosts. Extensive bird flushing was observed during 6 flights that were conducted on clear (cloudless) nights. No appreciable bird movement took place during the 6 flights on overcast nights. Helicopter type, time of flight, roost habitat type, bird species composition, and external lighting appeared to have little influence on the amount of flushing observed. The data suggest that the best conditions to apply an avian toxicant by helicopter would be on an overcast night while flying at the highest permissible elevation.