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Abstract
The system of Doppler weather surveillance radars known as WSR-88D or more popularly as NEXRAD helped transform radar ornithology in the United States into a field that today attracts considerable attention from scientists and laypersons alike. As interest in ornithological applications of WSR-88D grows, so does the need to provide perspective on its use. In this paper, we introduce WSR-88D and consider issues associated with interpretation of WSR-88D imagery and quantification of data. Because particular interest surrounds radar's potential to associate bird numbers with specific habitats or land use features, we address some of the challenges in making such associations focusing specifically on migrating landbirds. Readers interested in applying WSR-88D should gain appreciation of the technical challenges as well as the biological potential of this radar system for ornithological research.
Parent Publication
Citation
Diehl, Robert H.; Larkin, Ronald P. 2005. Introduction to the WSR-88D (NEXRAD) for ornithological research. In: Ralph, C. John; Rich, Terrell D., editors 2005. Bird Conservation Implementation and Integration in the Americas: Proceedings of the Third International Partners in Flight Conference. 2002 March 20-24; Asilomar, California, Volume 2 Gen. Tech. Rep. PSW-GTR-191. Albany, CA: U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Research Station: p. 876-888
