Avian radar for bird monitoring
NINA's mobile radar systems are specifically designed for monitoring both resident and migratory birds. Our avian radar makes it possible to monitor birds over larger areas throughout the year 24/7 in any type of weather and light conditions.
What is an avian radar?
The radar makes it possible to monitor bird activity, behaviour and flight altitude with great accuracy in three dimensions over larger areas, within a 10km radius. The entire system is mobile and can thus be moved to collect data from desired positions. As all data is stored in dedicated databases, documentation of monitoring activities in the area is ensured even after the registration is completed. NINA also provides post-processing and analyses services to report on the collected data.
Why use an avian radar?
The Planning and Building Act requires that all forms of land exploitation and the construction of buildings and structures take place in a way that minimizes any potential harm to birds and wildlife. Accurate data is required to understand how a building or structure may affect birdlife within the planning area in question.
With the help of thorough preliminary investigations, the expected extent of harm can be mapped in space and time. The location of the structure can be adapted to how the birds use the planning area, and effective mitigation measures can be proposed based on the best possible data. Our avian radar systems allows people to identify risk areas and periods of high bird activity and migration at an early stage.
For example, one can investigate the factors that contribute to increased collision risk between birds and wind turbines, power lines or air traffic. By mapping the timing of migration or locations of local area use or breeding of various species, the risk of extensive bird mortality from development projects can be reduced, and conflict-reducing measures can be implemented in the area.
Areas of use
- Monitoring birds in space and time
The radar can chart e.g. track bird flight behaviour, bird migration fluxes, identify large accumulations and migration corridors - Impact assessments
The radar can help find locations with the least conflict potential for birds in the area - Pre- and post-construction monitoring
The avian radar can detect the effect that a building or structure and other activities will have on birdlife - Air traffic safety ("bird strikes")
The radar can forewarn of single or flocks of birds or migration fluxes in space and time
Relevant thematic sectors:
- Renewable energy: onshore and offshore wind power and power lines
- Civil and military aviation: alerts to avoid bird strikes
- Health and community preparedness: the spread of zoonoses via migratory birds (e.g. avian influenza, coronavirus, tick-borne diseases)
- Ornithology and ecology: from the biology of birds to landscape ecology
Interested in using our avian radar?
NINA offers both quick scans, long-term monitoring as well as dedicated research and development (R&D). The radars are mobile and can be stationed anywhere in the terrain according to your wishes and needs.
Feel free to contact us for a non-binding chat about how we can best assist you, or for a cost-effective offer.
Avian radar system – technical information
NINA has two portable radar systems available, specifically designed for bird surveillance in 3D. Both of our radar systems are developed by ROBIN Radar Systems in the Netherlands. We have permission from the Norwegian Post and Telecommunications Authority for both our radar systems across the country.