Information on the movements and flight altitudes of high-priority avian species is essential for estimating exposure to offshore wind energy areas. In this study, we used digital VHF transmitters and an array of automated radio telemetry stations to track the movements of the rufa Red Knot (Calidris canutus rufa), a federally threatened shorebird, in federal waters of the U.S. Atlantic Outer Continental Shelf (OCS). A total of 388 Red Knots were fitted with digital VHF transmitters at major stopover areas in Canada and the U.S. Atlantic coast during fall migration. Birds tagged at U.S. Atlantic stopovers had higher occurrence over federal waters and wind energy areas in the U.S. Atlantic OCS relative to those tagged in stopover areas in Canada. Flight trajectories over the Atlantic OCS were influenced by wind direction and likely reflected variation in migration routes of individuals from different wintering populations.

USD: $500,521

2016-03-29 → 2018-08-28