Do free flight model aircraft disturb waterbirds?

["Tim Murphy" <>]

One of the best water bird habitats in Brisbane is Minnippi Parklands where there is a large pond where many ducks, rails and other species has been seen. This is half a kilometre or less from an area reserved by the Council for flying model plains and one can see the planes through binoculars quite clearly from the pond. I have often see birds glide past that area into the pond and they seem quite unaffected - I suspect that they think of them as just another rather noisy bird. 

 

Of course, in North America there are records of Eastern Kingbirds attacking light aircraft but they are very aggressive birds.

 

Tim Murphy 

  

-----Original Message-----
From: [On Behalf Of Liz Gould
Sent: Tuesday, 2 March 2004 3:47 PM
To:
Subject: [BIRDING-AUS] Do free flight model aircraft disturb waterbirds?

Hi all,

 

Is anyone aware of any written information that discusses the actual or potential impact of free flight model aircraft on shorebirds and other waterbirds?

 

Liz

 

Liz Gould

Environment Sector Liaison Officer

South East Queensland Western Catchments Group Inc.

Ph: (07) 3816 9723 or 0412 266 298

PO Box 731, Ipswich Q 4305

 

South East Queensland Western Catchments Group Inc. (SEQ WCG) is the regional body for integrated natural resource management in the western catchments of south-east Queensland (incorporating the Bremer, Lockyer, Upper and Mid Brisbane catchment areas)