On the radar: offshore aeroecology and dynamic aeroconservation of nocturnal landbird migration

Nocturnal bird migration over land generally occurs across a broad spatial front but might have distinct spatiotemporal patterns at sea, shaped by the ecological barrier effect and unique environmental drivers. Understanding offshore movements is essential not only for building a comprehensive picture of landbird migration but also for informing conservation efforts, as marine areas are rapidly transforming into hubs for large-scale wind energy development. Using data from tracking radars off the Dutch coast, combined with mechanistic and statistical models, I explain how nocturnally migrating birds, driven by weather, navigate the North Sea in different seasons. As this region undergoes rapid wind energy expansion, I demonstrate how these radar-based insights have been applied to establish dynamic, near-term mitigation measures aimed at reducing collision risk between migratory birds and offshore wind turbines.