Migratory birds

Risk factors for migratory birds

Depending on the location, the time of year and the type of activities, some operations could be subject to different risk factors associated with migratory birds.
The main sensitive periods to consider are the breeding season and the migration periods although for some migratory bird species, risks may also be associated with other times of the year, such as the post-breeding moult period and wintering stages.
The main sensitive locations include, for example, migratory bird breeding colonies and feeding areas around them as well as migration staging sites.
In the case of bird collisions with structures, generally the main risk factors are site sensitivity (areas of bird concentration, migratory pathways, surrounding landscaping and habitat type, particular meteorological conditions like fog, etc.) and structure design and size (reflectivity of glass panels, lighting used, use of guy wires, height, etc.).
Environment Canada provides information on the timing of migratory bird breeding in Canada and about other risk factors (see, for example, the Environment Canada publication: Wind Turbines and Birds: A Guidance Document for Environmental Assessment) in order to help individuals and companies assess their risk with regards to migratory birds and design relevant avoidance and mitigation measures.