1982/02/01 by Paul Kerlinger · 2 citations
Environmental Science · #Wildlife Ecology and Conservation #Wildlife-Road Interactions and Conservation #Avian ecology and behavior #History #Library science #State (computer science) #Geography #Archaeology #Computer science
paper · doi:10.2307/1367828
openalex publication_date 1982/02/01 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/30
Tracking radar and direct visual observations were employed to study the migration of Common Loons (Gavia immer) through eastern New York. Single birds and groups of up to four individuals flew at altitudes between 1,500 and 2,700 m (above sea level), usually above the turbulent convective layer. These migrants were not readily visible without the aid of binoculars and the tracking radar. Loons flew downwind toward the Atlantic coast in autumn (124°) and toward the eastern end of Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River in spring (347°). Direction of migration was more variable in spring, possibly owing to the greater variability of winds on flight days and destination of migrants. Loons never flew into headwinds. Strong westerly winds in autumn promoted higher groundspeeds than in spring. Mean airspeed was faster than that reported for most other species and did not vary in relation to following wind component as did groundspeed. Estimated flight time between Lake Ontario and the Atlantic coast of southern New England was between three and four hours depending upon wind velocity.