The Effect of Structures on Migratory and Local Marine Birds

Abstract

The Buccaneer Field structures represent one of many man-made changes in the waters of the northwestern Gulf of Mexico. This area comprises a well-known and long-used flyway for migratory birds which pass from southern Mexico and the Yucatan Peninsula northward to the shores of the Gulf states in the spring and pass southward along the same route in the fall. Prior to the establishment of man-made structures in the Gulf, the migratory route would necessarily have been made across a featureless expanse of water 480 nautical miles wide at the narrowest point, with the complete trip being made non-stop (Pettingill, 1970). Birds migrating across water fly at heights of approximately 150– 300 m (Bellrose, 1971). Flying at this altitude, birds can readily see structures the size of the Buccaneer platforms. It has been noted that birds will land on ships and structures during the migratory season, particularly under adverse weather conditions.