Radar Ornithology in the River Lakes Conservation Area
Faculty Advisors Mr. Splitt and Professor Lazarus
Abstract
The River Lakes Conservation Area also known as St. Johns River (Upper Area) is a known habitat for migratory birds. The NEXRAD Radar was used to observe a population of migratory birds during the spring of 2015. A daily migration was observed within minutes prior to sunrise. The areal expansion rates ofthe migration are very consistent from day to day. There was also two roosting locations on a daily basis heading in multiple directions that was observed. Future studies for local bird migration consist of surveying types of birds to better understand the take-off times in such magnitudes for potential conservation efforts.