|
This morning a marsh harrier was cruising west along the centre of the River Humber, to it's east side. I am always curious how birds navigate around the structure as it is an obvious barrier to bird passage and many species are affected differently, how many autumn gannets actually pass under even though they go right up to it.
As this harrier approached the very centre of the Bridge it began to thermal (if that is the correct term for a stiff southerly wind that penetrated the roots of your teeth). It rose in a column to a height greater than the 500ft towers and once this height it started to drift towards the busy Bridge.
When it was almost upon the structure the activity and noise stopped it's progress and it then began to travel in parallel to the road, heading south, dropping it's height by half. It maintained this direction until south of the southern anchorage and clear of the cables etc. I could not see where it finally crossed the road to pass west.
It surprised me that the bird was put off crossing the Bridge at a height greater than the towers. Was the noise and traffic movement the factor?
I wonder what affect the ranks of wind turbines may have on this subtle influence on bird movement.
|
Login
FAQ
Search
