Technical Report

Avian Noise Disturbance Study

URL: https://webapps.usgs.gov/mrgescp/documents/Dillon-and-Moore_2020_Avian-Noise-Disturbance-Study.pdf

Date: 2020/01/01

Author(s): Dillon K.G., Moore D.

Publication: Prepared for U.S. Army Corps of Engineers by U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, 9 p.

Abstract:

Noise disturbance due to construction, traffic, and other anthropogenic activity has been found to have detrimental impacts on avian habitat occupancy, pairing success, and reproductive output. However, there is not a particular level of noise disturbance that is known to universally cause an impact. Currently, along the Rio Grande in central New Mexico, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service guidelines require a one-quarter mile (approximately 400 meter) buffer between construction activities and known nests of two endangered birds - the Southwestern willow flycatcher (Empidonax traillii extimus) and Western yellow-billed cuckoo (Coccyzus americanus). However, data are lacking on whether this buffer distance is appropriate. Therefore, a noise disturbance study was initiated using non-federally listed proxy species to determine whether the current buffer distance is appropriate. No measurable impact of construction noise broadcasts on nesting birds was documented in the pilot year of the study. Further study is recommended in order to assess the impacts to breeding avian species from long-term and complex heavy equipment operation adjacent to occupied nesting habitat.