Factors affecting the flight altitude of migrating waterbirds in Western Estonia

Abstract

The article examines the effects of weather, temporal factors and distance to coast on the flight altitude of migrating waterbirds in Western Estonia. A laser range finder and marine surveillance radar were used to measure flight altitudes. Visible effects on avian flight altitude due to weather conditions such as wind conditions, visibility and cloud cover were identified. Tailwinds were found to be associated with elevated flight altitude, while reductions in altitude were reportedly due to high wind speed. It was noted that behavioural and physical adaptations to the environment also helped in specific flight altitude selection.