Radar Ornithology: Bird Echoes on Weather and Airport Surveillance Radars.

The use of radar to detect and monitor weather phenomena and to detect and control aircraft are well known, but relative few radar technicians and operators realize the importance of radar for detection of birds. The information in this report, presented in handbook form, was obtained from radar operated by the National Weather Service and the FAA. The techniques and information presented should aid radar operators in recognizing the various types of echoes from birds displayed on weather and air-traffic control radars, in estimating the numbers of birds passing over the radar stations, and in gathering information on the altitude of the birds aloft. Use of this information and techniques should be of great assistance in reducing the number of birdaircraft collisions and improve flight safety.