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ECON have an established reputation for high quality ornithological services, carrying out a range of
contracts from surveys to research.
ECON employ two full time ornithologists as well as additional
surveyors when required, all of which are appropriately qualified, trained and experienced. Species
specific interests include seabirds, and in particular terns, redshank and other waders. ECON
have been particularly involved in assessing the ornithological impacts of wind farms on birds. Two
case studies relating to this work are detailed below:
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Case Study 1:
Assessing the Ornithological Impacts of offshore wind farms
ECON are currently undertaking the ornithological monitoring associated with several Round 2 offshore wind farm sites in accordance with the methoodology specified by COWRIE (Collaborative Offshore Wind Research Into the Environment). All vessels used meet COWRIE specifications and all our surveyors have undertaken the Royal Yachting Basic Sea Survival Certificate and appropriate safety training. Our principal surveyors, Pat Howard and Dan Brown, have also been trained in both methodology and identification by JNCC approved instructors.
ECON are involved in the ornithological monitoring at all stages from field surveys through to the production of the Environmental Statement, Appropriate Assessment, and beyond to construction monitoring and then to post-project appraisal. Our practical experience and familiarity with each site, coupled with established relationships with the RSPB and English Nature, facilitates the development process.
Analysis of ornithological data is based on assesing the importance of the site for specific species in terms of both spatial and temporal abundances. These are plotted as a time series of maps, by taxonomic group using different colours for different species and different sizes of symbols to represent flock size. Densities of specific species are calculated and compared against known local, regional and national densities to allow a quantitative and meaningful assessment of site importance.
Impacts on the key species of concern are then assessed according to several different methods. The Collision Risk Model developed by Scottish National Heritage (SNH) is used in a number of different ways during this process. Assessment of cumulative impacts is also considered as a major factor, although the methodolgy employed is developed on a site specific basis.
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Case study 2:
Using radio telemetry to assess the impact of an offshore wind farm on Little Terns, Sterna albifrons
This study relates to the development of a 30 turbine offshore wind farm at Scroby Sands, Norfolk, by E.ON UK Renewables Offshore Wind Limited, located several km offshore of the North Denes Little tern colony, the most important breeding site for the species in the UK.
The results of initial impact assessments suggested that the terns mostly used the area to the south of the proposed site, and the risk of the development to birds was considered to be moderate at most. However, a monitoring package for Little terns was specified as part of the FEPA licence for the development.
Telemetry, which had never been carried out on Little terns in the UK before, provided a means of understanding more about Little tern foraging behaviour, about which little was known. Tracking from a RIB was the most effective means of following birds, which could travel fast (c.70 km per hour).
The study also involved monitoring the prey available to the birds using a larval tow net as well as chick and foraging observations made from the colonies. Comparison of data from 2003 and 2004, years in which prey abundance varied greatly, showed considerable variation in foraging patterns and home range estimates. With an active nest birds occupied a range of <6.4 square km. In comparison, failed birds ranged widely occupying ranges up to 52 square km.
The results showed that the wind farm is within the range of birds from the breeding colony, although only a small
proportion of foraging time was spent at such distance during the study.
Perrow, M.R., Skeate, E.R., Lines, P., Brown, D. & Tomlinson, M.L. (2006). Radio telemetry as a tool for impact assessment of wind farms: the case of Little Terns Sterna albifrons at Scroby Sands, Norfolk, UK. Ibis, 148, ???-???.
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