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Migrating birds respond to Project Seafarer's electromagnetic field
Science (New York, N.Y.)
|February 25, 1977
Summary
Migrating birds alter flight paths near operating alternating-current antenna systems. This suggests birds can sense low-intensity electromagnetic fields during nocturnal migration.
Area of Science:
- Ornithology
- Bioelectromagnetics
- Animal Behavior
Background:
- Nocturnal migratory birds navigate using various cues, including Earth's magnetic field.
- Potential anthropogenic influences on migratory behavior are increasingly studied.
- Electromagnetic fields (EMFs) are ubiquitous in modern environments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if migrating birds react to operating alternating-current (AC) antenna systems.
- To determine if birds can sense low-intensity AC electromagnetic fields.
Main Methods:
- Radar tracking of individual migrating birds.
- Observation of bird flight behavior (altitude, turning) over an AC antenna system.
- Comparison of behavior when the antenna system was operating versus not operating.
Main Results:
- Birds exhibited significantly more frequent altitude changes and turns when the AC antenna system was operational.
- No significant behavioral changes were observed when the antenna system was not operating.
Conclusions:
- Migrating birds demonstrate altered flight behavior in response to operational AC antenna systems.
- These findings suggest that birds possess the capability to sense low-intensity AC electromagnetic fields during nocturnal migratory flight.