Bird migration strategies in relation to wind and topography
Falsterbo peninsula is a well known migration hot spot where many migrating birds pass each year, especially during the autumn season. We use tracking radar at the Falsterbo peninsula, south Sweden, to track nocturnal migrants. We want to answer questions about how the topography and wind situation affect the passing migrants. The project started in 2009 and will continue for a few seasons.
The questions
One important question regards how winds and the surrounding topography affect the birds. Wind speeds in the same range as bird air speeds are not uncommon, making the difference between tail and head winds very important. Topography might affect a migrating bird in several ways; there is for instance rather conflicting evidence on whether migrating birds tend to follow shorelines or not on their journeys. Photo: Cecilia Nilsson- 1 of 5
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