2005, DDH Consulting AS, Walney and West of Duddon Sands, Bird Migration Radar Survey

This project examines the bird migration in the Walney and West of Duddon Sands wind farm areas throughout October 2005, where bird observation were carried out around the clock from an anchored vessel using radars, visual observers and acoustic observers listening for night migrating species. The primary target species of the study is the Whooper Swan (Cygnus cygnus) and Pink-footed Goose (Anser brachrhynchus). In addition it is requested to study migration and flight movements of the secondary target species Common Scoter (Melanitta nigra) and Manx Shearwater (Puffinus puffinus) as well as other seabirds and other migrants (tertiary target species). Potential effects of an offshore wind farm on birds are considered to fall under three main headings: -Risk of collision with the turbines -Disturbance effects (displacement of migrating birds and habitat loss for resident birds) -Physical changes of surrounding habitats as a result of the construction, such as sediment spills, change to the bottom fauna, introduction of new species on the wind turbine foundations and scour protections.