[va-bird] helicopter use and birds

The Blue Ridge Parkway will shortly be contracting for a helicopter to fly
sections of the parkway while filming for a park movie.  The flights will
only be in one area for a short period of time, probably just long enough
to film a section of the parkway and then move on. In some locations there
might be multiple flights but I would think the total time should still be
less than an hour. There should be no night flights but possibly some at
sunrise and sunset.

My involvement in this is to ensure that park resources are not harmed.  I
am wondering specifically about any impacts there might be on our birds.
Does anyone know of any research indicating that helicopter flights will
affect birds at certain times of the year or in certain activities?  I
think the flights will be after birds have nested and fledged but if not
would this be a concern to any species?  What about if the flights are
during hawk watch season? Is there any physical harm that could come to
migrating birds (during day light hours)? Any other concerns?

I'm leaning towards this will have no, or virtually no, impact on the
park's birds but would appreciate any comments anyone might have.

Thanks for your help.

Bob

___________________________________
Bob Cherry
Resource Management Specialist

Blue Ridge Parkway
5580 Shulls Mill Road
Blowing Rock, NC  28605-9453

828/295-7591
828/295-0337 (fax)
Bob_Cherry@xxxxxxx
www.nps.gov/blri
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