International Workshop: Trends in Radar Ornithology

21 January, 2010

National Environmental Research Institute (NERI), Aarhus University, Denmark

Lakeside Lecture Theatre 3,

Building 1252

Bartholinsallé 3

8000 Aarhus C

Dear Colleague

It is a great pleasure for me and the National Environmental Research Institute, Aarhus University to invite you to participate in the International Workshop “Trends in Radar Ornithology”, which takes place in Aarhus, Denmark, 21 January, 2010.

The aims of our project are two-fold: a) to draft a scientific consensus paper on the advantages and limitations of the various radar systems for publication in an international scientific journal, and b) to organize the international workshop “Trends in Radar Ornithology” in Denmark where consensus-aimed discussions of the manuscript and of the pros and cons of the different radar methodologies will be on the agenda.

Background

Since World War II, radars have been known to be capable of tracking migrating birds when flying at night and at high altitudes. Up to and through the nineteen nineties the field of radar ornithology was run by relatively few research groups mainly from the US and Europe. During the last c. 10 years, the planning and construction of many new offshore wind farms, especially in Europe but lately also in the US, have led to a nearly exponential increase in the number of research groups and consultancy companies using radars for studying these, and other, anthropogenic mortality factors in relation to migrating birds.

The many new developments within the field of radar ornithology and the introduction of many commercial players on this scene have resulted in many often unfruitful discussions on the pros and cons of the different available radar systems. In order to secure that future ornithological radar studies, both within the pure and applied research fields, make the best use of their hardware equipment and are aware of its limitations when analyzing their data, we find it of outermost importance that international consensus is reach among the leading and most experienced bird-radar scientists. Time has come where the pros and cons of the different radar systems should be delineated.

The following Internationally renowned experts have worked with me on this project and will be present at the workshop:

● Dr. Johan Bäckman,

Migration Ecology Group, Dept. of Animal Ecology, Lund University, Sweden. Scientist in radar ornithology with experiences in using tracking radar.

● Dr. Felix Liechti,

Swiss Ornithological Institute, Switzerland. Scientist in radar ornithology with experiences in using tracking radar.

● Dr. Yngve Steinheim,

Communication Systems, SINTEF, Trondheim, Norway. Radar engineer with experiences in using marine surveillance bird radar.

● Dr. Carsten Rahbek.

Centre for Macroecology and Evolution, University of Copenhagen, Denmark. Full Professor in Macroecology with scientific interests in large-scale temporal and spatial distribution of e.g. birds.

● Dr. Robert Diehl,

Dept. of Biological Sciences, The University of Southern Mississippi, USA. Scientist in radar ornithology with experiences in using both marine and weather radar.

● Dr. Hans van Gasteren,
Nature bureau, Mission Support Branch, Headquarter Royal Netherlands Air Force, the Netherlands. Scientist in radar ornithology with experiences using weather radar.

● Dr. Ronald P. Larkin,

Illinois Natural History Survey, USA. Scientist in radar ornithology.

● Dr. Ommo Hüppop, 
Institut für Vogelforschung "Vogelwarte Helgoland" Germany. Scientist in radar ornithology with experiences using marine surveillance radar.

● Dr. Adriaan Dokter,

KNMI, Weather Research – Observations, the Netherlands. Scientist in radar meteorology with experiences using weather Doppler radar.

We cordially invites everybody with an interest in radar ornithology, including researchers, scientists, and consultants. Persons from other specialities are welcome as well. We hope that you will enrich the workshop by participating and sharing with us your comments on our manuscript, thereby contributing to a rewarding workshop.

Aarhus is the second largest city in Denmark with a population of approximately 300,000. The culture is lively and young, mainly due to the city’s large student population (approx. 20,000).

Aarhus is an old city, but still young at heart! The city was founded by the Vikings as an open trading post at the mouth of the river. Aarhus is an educational and cultural centre, and its very soul is a charming blend, combining the atmospheres of a provincial town and an active city, which will make you feel welcome and at home. Scattered around the city you will find many restaurants, bars and cafes, many of which are located on the river bank and will accommodate all kinds of budgets.

Aarhus is really a remarkable place and offers many attractions – such as the open-air museum “The Old Town”, Marselisborg Castle, which is H.M. Queen Margrethe II’s summer residence, and Moesgaard Museum. Discover its delights for yourself. Most attractions are within walking distance, and the city of Aarhus is the place where every wish can be fulfilled in fascinating and inspiring surroundings.

Ideally situated at the Bay of Aarhus, surrounded by beaches, forests and lush scenery, yet bustling with life, Aarhus offers an inspiring setting for the Workshop.

We look forward to welcoming you to Aarhus.

Yours sincerely,

Mark Desholm