Revised Outer Continental Shelf Lease Exploration Plan Chukchi Sea, Alaska 

Shell Gulf of Mexico Inc. May 2011 

Appendix I 

Bird Strike Avoidance and Lighting Plan Chukchi Sea, Alaska 

 
Revised Outer Continental Shelf Lease Exploration Plan Chukchi Sea, Alaska 

Shell Gulf of Mexico Inc. May 2011 

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Bird Strike Avoidance and Lighting Plan Chukchi Sea, Alaska 

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Table of Contents 

Page 

1.0 INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................... 1

1.1 Background ............................................................................................................................ 1

1.2 Proposed Exploration Plan ..................................................................................................... 1

1.3 Endangered Species Act, Migratory Bird Treaty Act, and Lease Stipulation ....................... 0

1.3.1 Endangered Species Act ............................................................................................ 0

1.3.1.1 Steller’s Eider ........................................................................................... 0

1.3.1.2 Spectacled Eider ....................................................................................... 1

1.3.2 Migratory Bird Treaty Act ........................................................................................ 1

1.3.3 Lease Stipulations ..................................................................................................... 1

1.4 Relative Risk Evaluation ........................................................................................................ 2

2.0 REVIEW OF MITIGATION MEASURES ........................................................................................ 6

2.1 Low Reflecting Finishes ........................................................................................................ 6

2.2 Minimum Vessel Light .......................................................................................................... 6

2.3 Light Color ............................................................................................................................. 6

2.4 Anti-Collision Lighting .......................................................................................................... 7

2.5 Radar Assessment .................................................................................................................. 7

3.0 PROPOSED MITIGATION ............................................................................................................... 8

3.1 Bird Strike Monitoring ........................................................................................................... 8

3.2 Avian Monitoring ................................................................................................................. 10

3.2.1 Avian Observations ................................................................................................. 10

3.2.2 Radar Assessment ................................................................................................... 10

3.3 Lighting Protocols ................................................................................................................ 11

3.3.1 Shading and Minimization ...................................................................................... 11

3.3.2 ClearSky Lighting Technology ............................................................................... 11

3.4 Vessel and Aircraft Traffic ................................................................................................... 11

4.0 REFERENCES .................................................................................................................................. 12

Figures 

Figure 1.1 Shell Exploration Drilling Program Location Map ............................................................. 2

Figure 1.4-1 Spectacled Eider Densities .................................................................................................. 4

Figure 1.4-2 Steller's Eider Densities ...................................................................................................... 5

Attachments

Attachment A – Lease Stipulation No. 7, Oil and Gas Lease Sale 193, Chukchi Sea 

Attachment B – Avian Collision Form 

Attachment C – Phillips ClearSky Lighting
Bird Strike Avoidance and Lighting Plan Chukchi Sea, Alaska 

Shell Gulf of Mexico Inc. ii May 2011 

ACRONYMS 

BOEMRE Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation and Enforcement 

Discoverer Motor Vessel Noble Discoverer

ESA Endangered Species Act 

ft feet/foot 

hr(s) hour(s) 

km kilometer(s) 

LBCHU Ledyard Bay Critical Habitat Unit 

m meter(s) 

MBTA Migratory Bird Treaty Act 

MHz Megahertz 

mi statute mile(s) 

MMO Marine Mammal Observer 

MMS U.S. Department of the Interior, Minerals Management Service 

M/V Motor Vessel 

OCS Outer Continental Shelf 

Plan Bird Strike Avoidance and Lighting Plan 

Shell Shell Gulf of Mexico Inc. 

U.S.C. United States Code 

USFWS U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 
Bird Strike Avoidance and Lighting Plan Chukchi Sea, Alaska 

Shell Gulf of Mexico Inc. 1 May 2011 

1.0 INTRODUCTION 

1.1 Background 

This document comprises Shell Gulf of Mexico Inc.’s (Shell) Bird Strike Avoidance and Lighting Plan, 

Chukchi Sea, Alaska (Plan) and applies to Shell’s exploration drilling program as detailed in Shell’s 

(2011) Revised Chukchi Sea Exploration Plan OCS Lease Sale 193, Chukchi Sea Alaska: Burger 

Prospect Posey Blocks 6714, 6762, 6764, 6812, 6912, and 6915 (revised Chukchi Sea EP). The Plan 

meets all the requirements of Stipulation No. 7 under the Chukchi Sea Lease Sale 193 (MMS 2008a). 

Growing scientific evidence indicates some bird species are attracted to light sources, which may increase 

the risk of bird strikes. Most related studies conclude that increased darkness, coupled with inclement 

weather, increases attraction by birds to lighted vessels and structures. Birds drawn to light often become 

disoriented and can then collide with these structures resulting in injury and death. The chance of a bird 

strike to the drillship occurring during Shell’s exploration drilling program is considered low because the 

drill sites are more than 64 status miles (mi) (103 kilometers [km]) offshore (Figure 1.1) in an area of the 

Chukchi Sea with low eider densities, and because of the length of daylight during the exploration drilling 

season. Nevertheless, Shell will implement the Plan to minimize the chance of bird strikes occurring 

during exploration drilling operations. 

Emphasis of the Plan is on preventing bird strikes by threatened spectacled (Somateria fischeri) and 

Steller’s (Polysticta stelleri) eiders that may be present in the Chukchi Sea during the period of operations 

and may, occasionally, venture into the area near Shell’s exploration drilling operations. In addition, the 

Plan includes reporting requirements for any light-induced bird strikes and bird observations, which will 

help better understand the risks of bird strikes associated with drilling vessels. 

1.2 Proposed Exploration Plan 

Shell plans to conduct an exploration drilling program on its leases in the Chukchi Sea Planning Area of 

the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS). Shell’s leases were acquired in Oil and Gas Lease Sale 193 (Figure 

1.1). Shell plans to drill a total of six wells on six lease blocks within its Burger Prospect. The locations 

of the prospect and the lease blocks are indicated in Figure 1.1. These activities will start in 2012, with 

each drilling season being in the summer and fall (July-October) when migratory birds may be present. 

The ice-strengthened drillship Motor Vessel (M/V) Noble Discoverer (Discoverer) will be used to drill 

the wells. The Discoverer will be attended by a minimum of eight vessels that will be used for ice 

management, anchor handling, oil spill response (OSR), refueling, resupply, and servicing of the drilling 

operations. 

The Discoverer and its attending ice management and support vessels will transit through the Bering 

Strait into the Chukchi Sea on or after 1 July, arriving on location in Shell’s prospects on or about July 4. 

Exploration drilling may commence as early as 4 July, as ice, weather, and other conditions allow for safe 

operations, and could continue until 31 October. Further information is detailed in its revised Chukchi 

Sea EP. 
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Bird Strike Avoidance and Lighting Plan Chukchi Sea, Alaska 

Shell Gulf of Mexico Inc. 0 May 2011 

1.3 Endangered Species Act, Migratory Bird Treaty Act, and Lease 

 Stipulation 

The exploration activities proposed in Shell’s revised Chukchi Sea EP are subject to the Endangered 

Species Act (ESA), the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA), and Bureau of Ocean Energy Management 

Regulation and Enforcement’s (BOEMRE’s) Lease Stipulation No. 7, which requires offshore operators 

to implement certain measures to minimize the likelihood of exploration affecting spectacled and Steller’s 

eiders. Shell has prepared the Plan in response to these statutory requirements. The Plan represents a 

practical approach using current lighting technology and other methods to reduce the already low 

probability of collisions occurring between Shell vessels and the threatened eider species and other 

migratory birds in the project area.

1.3.1 Endangered Species Act 

The purpose of the ESA is to conserve “the ecosystems upon which endangered and threatened species 

depend” and to conserve and recover listed species. Under the law, species may be listed as either 

“endangered” or “threatened.” Endangered means a species is in danger of extinction throughout all, or a 

significant portion of, its range. Threatened means a species is likely to become endangered within the 

foreseeable future. All species of plants and animals, except pest insects, are eligible for listing as 

endangered or threatened (USFWS 2006a). The law requires federal agencies, in this case BOEMRE, to 

consult with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) to ensure that the actions they authorize would 

not jeopardize listed species. 

Section 7 of the ESA requires federal agencies to ensure that their actions do not jeopardize the continued 

existence of listed species. To comply with Section 7, the consulting federal agency, or its designated 

non-federal representative, must review the proposed project for potential impacts to protected species. 

The two species listed under the ESA that this Plan is intended to help protect are the Steller’s eider 

and the spectacled eider.

1.3.1.1 Steller’s Eider 

The Alaska-breeding population of Steller’s eider was federally designated as threatened in 1997 and is 

an Alaska Species of Special Concern. Historically, Steller’s eiders nested throughout the coastal areas of 

western and northern Alaska (USFWS 2005b). Today, the Alaska-breeding population is primarily 

confined to the Arctic Coastal Plain in low densities and is extremely scarce in western Alaska (USFWS 

2005b). The Steller’s eider may have abandoned much of the eastern North Slope in recent decades, but 

still occur in low densities from Wainwright to as far east as Prudhoe Bay (USFWS 2003). The 

threatened Alaska-breeding population is thought to be in the hundreds or low thousands on the Arctic 

Coastal Plain and in the dozens on the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta (USFWS 2005b). The species also 

occurs in Russia; although not precisely known, the Russian Atlantic population is thought to be 30,000 

to 50,000 individuals, and the Russian Pacific population 50,000 to 100,000 (USFWS 2005b). 
Bird Strike Avoidance and Lighting Plan Chukchi Sea, Alaska 

Shell Gulf of Mexico Inc. 1 May 2011 

1.3.1.2 Spectacled Eider 

The spectacled eider was federally designated threatened throughout its range in 1993 and is an Alaska 

Species of Special Concern. The breeding distribution of the spectacled eider includes the central coast of 

the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, the Arctic Coastal Plain of Alaska, and the Arctic Coastal Plain of Russia 

(USFWS 2005b). Spectacled eiders on the Arctic Coastal Plain of Alaska originally ranged to the 

Canadian border (USFWS 1996). The threatened spectacled eider population is estimated to be about 

360,000 worldwide, which includes non-breeders (USFWS 2005b). The population may be in slow 

decline on the Arctic Coastal Plain of Alaska, where 3,000 to 4,000 nest today (USFWS 2005b). At least 

40,000 pairs are thought to nest in Arctic Russia. Molting flocks of spectacled eiders gather in shallow 

waters off the coast in usually less than 120 feet (ft) (36 meters [m]) deep and travel along the coast up to 

31 mi (50 km) offshore (USFWS 2005b). 

1.3.2 Migratory Bird Treaty Act 

Under the MBTA (16 United States Code [U.S.C.] 703), it is illegal for anyone to "take" migratory birds, 

their eggs, feathers or nests. “Take” includes by any means or in any manner, any attempt at hunting, 

pursuing, wounding, killing, possessing or transporting any migratory bird, nest, egg, or part thereof. The 

MBTA does not distinguish between intentional and unintentional take. In Alaska, some species of 

migratory birds may be taken, killed, or possessed during approved hunting seasons for those specified 

migratory species. 

1.3.3 Lease Stipulations 

Lease Stipulation No. 7 (full text provided in Attachment A) for the Chukchi Sea Lease Sale 193 Area is 

intended to minimize the likelihood of spectacled and Steller’s eiders striking drilling structures or 

vessels. The stipulation has 4 parts as discussed below: 

Part A(1) mandates that EPs for exploration drilling programs include a plan for recording and 

reporting bird strikes. This component of the stipulation applies to exploration drilling programs 

located anywhere in the Chukchi Sea Planning Area, and therefore applies to Shell’s program. 

Parts A(2) and B(2) place travel restrictions and lighting protocol requirements on vessel and aircraft 

operations when they take place in certain listed blocks, in federal waters shoreward of those blocks, 

and in the Ledyard Bay Critical Habitat Unit (LBCHU), during specific dates. The listed blocks are 

shown in Figure 1.1 (as lease blocks under Stipulation No. 7) and are listed at the end of Attachment 

A of this document. These stipulation components would apply to any aircraft or vessels that are part 

of Shell’s revised Chukchi Sea EP, if and when the vessels or aircraft are in the identified parts of the 

Chukchi Sea. 

Part B(1) places lighting protocol requirements on drilling structures in the Chukchi Sea. This 

stipulation requirement applies to drilling structures operating on a lease or staged anywhere in the 

Chukchi Sea Planning Area, and therefore applies to Shell’s drillship. 

The above-referenced travel restrictions or conditions and lighting protocol restrictions are summarized 

below: 
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Shell Gulf of Mexico Inc. 2 May 2011 

General Conditions 

 Lessees must include a plan for recording and reporting bird strikes that occur during approved 

activities to BOEMRE. 

 Vessels associated with the exploration drilling operations should avoid traversing listed blocks 

(stipulation area), and federal waters between the stipulation area and shore, to the maximum 

extent possible between 15 April 15 and 10 July. If such traffic cannot be avoided, hazing 

equipment must be onboard. 

 Except during emergencies or for safety, vessels must avoid travel within the LBCHU between 1 

July and 15 November. Any required travel in this area must be reported to BOEMRE within 24 

hours (hr). 

 Aircraft supporting the exploration drilling operations must avoid operating below an altitude of 

1,500 ft (457 m) over the stipulation area and federal waters between the stipulation area and 

shore between 15 April and 10 June, or the LBCHU between 1 July and 15 November, to the 

maximum extent possible. If weather does not permit these altitudes then the flight should take 

place along a BOEMRE/USFWS-approved pre-determined flight path. Any deviations from the 

path due to safety or other issues must be reported within 24 hr. 

Lighting Protocols 

 Lessees are required to prepare a plan that identifies measures that will be undertaken to 

minimize the likelihood that migrating and coastal birds will strike exploration drilling structures 

(drillship), and obtain approval for the plan from BOEMRE. The plan must include measures that 

reduce the radiation of light outward from the drillship to minimize the likelihood that birds will 

strike the structure. 

 Surface support vessels must minimize the use of high-intensity work lights, especially while 

traversing the stipulation area and federal waters between the stipulation area and the coastline. 

Exterior lights must be used only as necessary to illuminate on-deck work areas during periods of 

darkness or inclement weather. Interior lights and lights used during navigation may remain on 

for safety. 

The lighting requirements and protocols in the Plan apply to activities conducted between 15 April and 15 

November. 

1.4 Relative Risk Evaluation 

The risk of bird collision is largely determined by the timing and location of exploration activities in 

relation to the presence of spectacled and Steller’s eiders in the Chukchi Sea. Spectacled and Steller’s 

eiders nest onshore across the coastal North Slope. The distribution and density of breeding eiders on the 

North Slope are indicated in Figure 1.4-1 and Figure 1.4-2. 

The Alaska-breeding population of the Steller’s eider is primarily confined to the Arctic Coastal Plain of 

Alaska’s North Slope, with a concentration of nesting eiders around Barrow (USFWS 2005a, Figure 

1.4-2). Their use of offshore waters of the northeastern Chukchi Sea can be generally discussed in terms 

of spring migration and post-breeding, which includes fall migration and molting. 

Spring migration of eiders in the Chukchi Sea occurs in May and June (MMS 2007a,b; MMS 2008b). 

The migration occurs along the coastal waters (MMS 2006), where many marine birds use the lead 
Bird Strike Avoidance and Lighting Plan Chukchi Sea, Alaska 

Shell Gulf of Mexico Inc. 3 May 2011 

system as a migratory pathway to breeding grounds in northern Alaska and the Canadian Arctic 

(Richardson and Johnson 1981, Woodby and Divoky 1982). Eiders may also migrate overland during 

spring as they move to the eastern North Slope from the Chukchi Sea (Troy Ecological Research 

Associates 1999 cited in MMS 2003). Offshore exploration drilling operations in the Chukchi Sea would 

begin no earlier than approximately 4 July, which is after spring migration has ended. 

Post-breeding spectacled and Steller’s eiders generally move to the marine environment where they molt 

and start their fall migration. However, their movement to the marine environment varies by sex and 

timing. Males and some females with failed nests leave nesting areas for marine waters in late June or in 

July (MMS 2006). Successful female Steller’s eiders and their broods gather near the coast later in the 

summer (MMS 2006) and some successful female spectacled eiders stay with their young on the nesting 

grounds until late August to early September, at which time they start their southward migration (USFWS 

2005a). 

Molting flocks of spectacled eiders gather in shallow waters, usually less than 120 ft (36 m) deep, and 

travel along the coast up to 30 mi (50 km) offshore (USFWS 2005a). Critical habitat for the spectacled 

eider includes Ledyard Bay (i.e., LBCHU), a large offshore area northeast of Cape Lisburne. This area is 

used for molting by spectacled eiders from July through October (USFWS 2005a). Other important 

molting and staging areas in the Chukchi Sea include Peard Bay and Kasegaluk Lagoon (Petersen et al. 

1999). These areas are outside and shoreward of the lease blocks where the proposed exploration drilling 

program is scheduled to occur. No habitat on the North Slope has been designated as critical for the 

Steller’s eider (USFWS 2005a). 

Fall migration of spectacled and Steller’s eiders has been documented by telemetry studies. Spectacled 

eiders were found to winter in a dense concentration within Norton Sound and fall migrations have been 

documented to go through the critical habitat described above (Petersen et al. 1999). Telemetry studies 

have shown Steller’s eiders leaving the Arctic Coastal Plain nesting areas near Barrow on 23 June for the 

coastal marine waters between Wainwright and Dease Inlet between Cape Lisburne and Point Lay (MMS 

2006). Eight individuals were tracked from Barrow across the Chukchi Sea to Siberia and back to Alaska 

(MMS 2006). 

Spectacled and Steller’s eiders will be most widely distributed in the Chukchi Sea during the post-nesting 

period. Although the majority of the eiders are likely stay close to the coast where they migrate and molt, 

some may be encountered far from shore within the exploration drilling areas. In the Chukchi Sea, 

proposed exploration drilling operations would begin no earlier than July and would be at least 96 km (60 

mi) offshore in water depths of 130-150 ft (40-46 m). Steller’s eiders would not be expected to occur in 

Shell’s Burger Prospect, but a small number of spectacled eiders may be found in there during the time 

period when exploration drilling is planned. Bird surveys were conducted in the Burger Prospect area in 

July-October in 2009 and 2010 as part of a series of baseline studies. One spectacled eider was observed 

in the Burger Prospect during two years of these intensive surveys, and no Steller’s eiders were recorded 

(Gall and Day 2009, 2010). 

In addition to the risk of bird strikes being minimized by the timing and location of exploration drilling 

operations, the high amount of daylight hours experienced in the area during the months of July and 

August also reduces the relative risk of bird strikes. 
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Bird Strike Avoidance and Lighting Plan Chukchi Sea, Alaska 

Shell Gulf of Mexico Inc. 6 May 2011 

2.0 REVIEW OF MITIGATION MEASURES 

A literature review of existing mitigation measures used in Alaska and the lower 48 states was conducted 

to assess the efficacy of existing mitigation to reduce the chances of bird strikes. The studies were 

reviewed to determine what mitigation measures would be appropriate for use during Shell’s exploration 

drilling program in the Chukchi Sea. None of the studies are specific to either the spectacled eider or the 

Steller’s eider. Most of the work to date deals with documenting bird collisions with communication 

towers in the lower 48 states or seabirds with fishing vessels in the Aleutian Islands of Alaska. Light 

sources, especially from taller structures exceeding 200 ft (60.9 m) and during periods of low visibility, 

are implicated in many bird collisions. The following is a brief summary of measures considered by Shell 

with regard to mitigating the effects of light on birds and reducing avian collisions. The effectiveness of 

some of these measures has not been studied, and some studies that have been conducted area not 

conclusive. Shell recognizes the need to reduce vessel light emissions to lower the risk of bird strikes, 

and has selected the most proven and practical measures for the Plan. 

2.1 Low Reflecting Finishes 

Painting vessels a dark color would decrease ambient reflected light, thus reducing light output beyond 

the deck. The amount of light reduced by such an action is unknown. Another option is to paint 

alternating and contrasting colors, which may allow a vessel to be more easily seen by birds. No studies 

evaluating the effects of low reflecting finishes are available for review, therefore the efficacy of these 

measures is unknown. 

2.2 Minimum Vessel Light 

Birds can be disoriented by and attracted to artificial lights, potentially resulting in injury and mortality if 

a collision occurs. Organizations working on reducing bird mortality, such as Bird Life International, 

include minimizing vessel light use (without compromising vessel worker safety) in their general 

recommendations for reducing bird strikes. This has proven effective in some situations. For a 

lighthouse, narrowing and decreasing light intensity resulted in a drastically lower bird mortality rate 

from an average of 200.6-18.5 birds per season during spring and 392.5-9.6 birds during fall (Jones and 

Francis 2003). Minimization of light can include shading, directing lights towards the deck, avoiding the 

use of unnecessary lights, and using minimal light output through the replacement of high intensity lights. 

2.3 Light Color 

It is likely that any light visible to humans is visible to birds, and thus constitutes a potential attractant 

(Verheijen 1985). Different colors of light (wavelengths) have been considered as mitigation to reduce 

bird strikes. Research in the North Sea has indicated that white light caused attraction, red light caused 

disorientation, and that green and blue light caused a weak response (Marquenie 2007). White lights in 

this study were replaced with specially designed lights that excluded the red spectrum and appeared green 

(Marquenie 2007). The green lights resulted in 2 to 10 times fewer birds circling offshore platforms when 

only a limited number of light sources were replaced with green lights. Therefore the results likely 

underestimate the effect that would occur if all external lights were replaced with green lights (Marquenie 

2007). 

 
Bird Strike Avoidance and Lighting Plan Chukchi Sea, Alaska 

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2.4 Anti-Collision Lighting 

The effects of anti-collision lighting systems at Northstar Island were studied for four years for eiders and 

other birds (e.g. gulls, loons, geese) found in the Beaufort Sea (Day et al. 2005). Analysis of the data 

revealed some statistically significant responses and some weak responses by eiders to the anti-collision 

lights. In general, results of the analyses indicate a net movement of eiders away from the island, and a 

significant slowing of the eiders flight speed at night. The lights clearly did not cause non-eider species 

to avoid the island and actually appeared to cause attraction at times. Eiders exhibited a natural anticollision response to the island, which the strobe lights were thought to increase modestly. Day et al. 

(2005) concluded the anti-collision lights caused some eiders to avoid Northstar Island, but the avoidance 

response was not consistent and was not dramatic. The effectiveness of the anti-collision lights in 

reducing the risk of eider collisions was not clear, and the lights did not appear to deter other non-eider 

species at all. The following summarizes the lighting system used at Northstar (Day et al. 2005): 

 14 white strobe lights (Honeywell Flashguard 2000B strobe lights) are mounted on tall masts 

approximately 13.7 m (45 ft) above the ocean surface around Northstar Island. 

 Each strobe light is set to flash at the rate of 40 flashes/minute. 

 The strobe lights are not set to flash in pattern or synchrony. 

 The strobe lights emit white light (all wavelengths) at 20,000 candlepower during the day and 

2,000 candlepower during the night. 

 Photocell controls the switching between the two modes. 

Anti-collision lights may vary by wavelength, flashing rate, flashing synchrony, and intensity. Some 

evidence exists that passerines may avoid white lights better than red lights (Manville 2005). White 

strobe lights are considered less likely to attract night-migrating birds than non-flashing white and red 

lights (New Mexico Department of Game & Fish 2001). However, the appropriate light wavelength is 

unknown for best deterring eiders and a continued search for a lighting system that is more effective than 

the one used at Northstar Island is recommended by Day et al. (2005).

2.5 Radar Assessment 

The use of radar can allow real-time detection of flocks of migrating seabirds, and could potentially be 

used by an on board avian observer to predict collisions. In 2005, a German team investigated the avian 

avoidance response to offshore wind turbines using the radar system Furuno FR2125 (Desholm and 

Kahlert 2005). The species involved in that analysis were primarily common eider (Somateria 

mollissima) and geese. According to Gauthreaux and Livingston (2006), the VERTRAD/TI radar system 

can be used to estimate the potential risk of migrating birds colliding with man-made obstacles of various 

heights. Another system (BIRDRAD) can detect the departure of migrants from different types of habitat 

within a few kilometers of the radar (Gauthreaux and Belser 2005). This system uses a high resolution, 

marine surveillance radar (Furuno 2155 BB) with a 50-kilowatt transceiver that transmits at 3 centimeters 

(1.18 inches) (X-band, 9415 megahertz [MHz] +/- 30 MHz) wavelength. The same paper discusses use 

of WSR-88D Doppler Weather Surveillance Radar, using characteristics of bird echoes to study bird 

movements. 

Although Doppler radar does not appear as effective in real-time analysis of bird populations, “a variety 

of radars, from low-powered airport surveillance radars and mobile marine surveillance radars to highpowered weather radars and military tracking radars, have been used to further our understandings of bird 
Bird Strike Avoidance and Lighting Plan Chukchi Sea, Alaska 

Shell Gulf of Mexico Inc. 8 May 2011 

migration and to address conservation concerns. Site-specific information on migrant passage rates and 

flight characteristics is generally collected by using mobile radars or other techniques such as thermal 

imaging and acoustical monitoring (Ruth et al. 2005). Radar is likely best used to increase the 

understanding of migration patterns, number of birds, and effectiveness of mitigation measures. 

3.0 PROPOSED MITIGATION 

Based upon the mitigation measures reviewed in Section 2.0, Shell has determined appropriate mitigation 

measures for use during Shell’s exploration drilling program in the Chukchi Sea. The mitigation 

proposed by Shell is based on what is currently and technically feasible, and proven effective, in reducing 

the prospect of bird strikes, while fully considering the lighting requirements needed to maintain a safe 

work environment. Additional mitigation may be considered as more information becomes available 

regarding the effectiveness of new mitigation to reduce the risk of bird strikes. 

It is important to restate that, given the location of Shell’s exploration drilling program, the chances of a 

bird strike with the drillship are considered to be low. Although the location of planned exploration 

drilling is outside the stipulation area where a bird strike mitigation plan, implementing the mitigation 

measures as specified in this Plan will further reduce this low probability of bird strikes associated with 

Shell’s planned activities. 

Shell has prepared this Plan to reduce the chance of bird strikes of the drillship, especially strikes by 

spectacled and Steller’s eiders. The major elements of the Plan are provided below: 

 Bird strike monitoring that includes recording and reporting bird strikes for the collection of 

information on bird strikes and lighting configuration and a better understanding of methods 

to reduce bird strikes. 

 Avian monitoring, including visual observations and radar assessments to determine bird use 

of the prospect areas during the exploration drilling period. 

 Installing shading and directing some drillship lights inward and downward to living and 

work structures to minimize the amount of red light radiating from the drillship. 

 Lighting modifications including replacing some lights on the drillship with “ClearSky” light 

technology where applicable to reduce the amount of red light output. 

 Minimizing the use of high-intensity work lights on support vessels. 

 Restricting aircraft and vessel travel routes and flight altitudes. 

3.1 Bird Strike Monitoring 

The overall objective of bird strike monitoring is to provide the USFWS with data for risk assessment of 

bird strikes related to operational activities and weather conditions, with a focus on threatened eiders. 

The monitoring program is intended to expand the knowledge on the risks of bird strikes in the Chukchi 

Sea and to determine the effectiveness of mitigation measures. If bird strikes are determined to be a 

serious risk to birds despite the proposed mitigation measures presented in this document, Shell will 

evaluate additional mitigation measures for future offshore activities. 

All mortalities and injuries from strike events of a spectacled or Steller’s eider will be reported to the 

Alaska OCS Regional Office of the BOEMRE and the Ecological Services Branch of the USFWS in 

Anchorage within three days of the event or as soon as is practical. This includes any collisions 
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Shell Gulf of Mexico Inc. 9 May 2011 

associated with the drillship, support vessels, and associated aircraft. Other pertinent information that 

may help better understand the risk of bird strikes will be sent to the USFWS after the end of the drilling 

season. 

The following data will be collected upon a determination that a bird strike has occurred: 

 Description of event 

 Bird species if can be determined 

 Weather conditions 

 Date and time 

 Description of vessel lighting conditions 

 Vessel location 

 Photographs if practical 

Shell will conduct routine deck searches for live, injured birds, or dead birds, especially during or 

following periods of darkness or inclement weather such as rain or fog. Birds perching on ship structures 

(such as antennae and rigging) will be allowed to rest and depart on their own. 

Any observed bird strike shall be documented and reported within three days to BOEMRE. Minimum 

information will include species, date/time, location, weather, identification of the vessel involved and its 

operational status when the strike occurred. If a bird strikes and remains on the vessel, it will be 

photographed (if possible) and left there to recover and depart on its own. If necessary to take it out of 

harm’s way, it will be moved to a dry place from where it can depart on its own. If the bird does not 

depart after about 12 hr and is still alive, it will be gently returned to the sea surface. Shell will consult 

with the USFWS to further determine the proper handling of injured birds in the event of a bird strike. 

Carcasses from any lethal strikes will be photographed (if possible) and returned to the sea. Photographs 

will be taken of the bird with wings spread, top and bottom views, and of the head, to assist with species 

verification and will be submitted to BOEMRE and USFWS as part of the collision report. 

Strike information will be recorded on the Avian Collision Form provided in Attachment B. An avian 

observer or Marine Mammal Observer (MMO) with training in bird identification will collect the data 

associated with any bird strike. Placards will be posted in common areas to inform all personnel to report 

dead or injured birds. This will increase awareness and the likelihood that data will be recorded. The 

observer will have equipment such as a bird identification guide, a flashlight, and a camera to help with 

data collection. 

Although Shell will make every effort to record all bird strikes; it is recognized that some bird strikes may 

not be noticed. Eiders often fly low and fast over water, which suggests that they could possibly strike 

the hull of the drillship and fall into the water unobserved. In addition, darkness and inclement weather 

can make visual observations difficult. 

Daylight is constant to nearly constant in the Chukchi Sea during July (24 hr) and August (more than 

21 hr) when molting eiders are most likely present near drilling activities. This timing of activities will 

allow the eiders greater likelihood to see the drillship and avoid a strike. Daylight hours decrease 

incrementally during September (approximately 15.5 hr) and October (approximately 11.2 hr) during 

which time eiders will least likely be present at the locations of planned exploration drilling. Due to 

fewer expected numbers of eiders in the area later in the drilling season (September and October), the risk 

of bird strike occurrence will diminish. Avian monitoring will continue even as daylight hours diminish 

and waterfowl populations are expected to diminish in the area of exploration drilling. 
Bird Strike Avoidance and Lighting Plan Chukchi Sea, Alaska 

Shell Gulf of Mexico Inc. 10 May 2011 

3.2 Avian Monitoring 

Avian monitoring will consist of observations made by observers on the drillship and radar assessments. 

These methods will be used concurrently to maximize the value of the data collected by either method. 

3.2.1 Avian Observations 

Avian monitoring will be performed by MMOs or other designated individuals aboard the drillship that 

have been trained in bird identification, sampling protocols, and the reporting of bird strikes to the 

USFWS and BOEMRE. Monitoring will be conducted during daylight hours from several vantage points 

on each vessel using binoculars and scopes. These avian observers will have an adequate understanding 

of bird identification, especially of eiders in flight. The daily tasks performed by the observers will 

include recording weather conditions, bird counts with species identification, observations of general bird 

flight directions, estimates of bird distances from vessels, strike events, data entry, and daily summary 

report writing. 

3.2.2 Radar Assessment 

The type of radar equipment available onboard the drillship has been found to be suitable for detecting 

birds and will be used to conduct an assessment of the movements of bird flocks in the proximity of the 

drillship. One aspect of the assessment will be to monitor and compare bird movements during periods of 

good and poor visibility. The use of radar has an advantage over visual observations during periods of 

poor visibility such as at night or during foggy conditions, when visual observations may not be possible. 

Visual observations (Section 3.2.1) will be conducted simultaneously with radar observations particularly 

in the initial stages of the study during periods of good visibility. Comparison of radar and visual 

observations will be used to help to determine numbers of individuals in flocks and possibly species 

group (based on flight patterns). Visual observations will supplement radar data by more accurately 

determining species and obtaining better estimates of individuals in flocks. 

Shell will conduct the radar assessment in 2- to 4-hr sampling sessions throughout the course of the field 

season as time and availability of personnel permit. The number of sampling sessions will depend on the 

number of biologists available to collect data. Sampling sessions will be stratified to include all portions 

of the diurnal cycle as equally as possible. 

 

Some of the data collected by radar observations will be the same as those collected by visual observers 

although species, number, sex, and height above water may not be determined by radar. For each 

observation of a bird flock, radar observers will record the date and time, the species type if possible (e.g., 

eider or goose), flock size, compass direction of the birds in relation to the drillship, direction of flight, 

initial distance of the birds from the drillship, the closest point of approach of the flock to the drillship, 

whether ClearSky lights were on or off, and notes on any avoidance behavior displayed by the flock. The 

data from the radar assessment will be analyzed to determine: 

 If migrating bird flocks pass closer to the drillship during periods of poor versus good visibility; 

 If birds deflect their flight patterns to avoid the drillship; 

 If deflections of flight patterns occur at further distances during period of good versus poor 

visibility; and 

 The effects of ClearSky lighting as anti-collision mitigation. 
Bird Strike Avoidance and Lighting Plan Chukchi Sea, Alaska 

Shell Gulf of Mexico Inc. 11 May 2011 

3.3 Lighting Protocols 

Much of the drillship lighting will be directed inward and downward, where practical, to minimize 

escaping light. Additionally, some lights will be fitted with shading that will direct lights to working 

areas and prevent light escaping to areas where lights are not needed for safety and operations. When 

practical, lights will be turned off when not in use. 

3.3.1 Shading and Minimization

Shell plans to reduce or shade light output from the following locations on the drillship Discoverer: 

 Derrick lights, deck lighting, doorway and stairway lighting, and pipe rack lighting: lights will be 

shaded to direct light downward and inward and/or the wattage reduced. 

 Crane boom lights: lights to remain unshielded for safety during crane operations. 

 Heliport lighting: lights to be dimmed or shut off when not in use. 

 Escape pod lighting: lights will be dimmed when not in use. 

 Navigation and clearance lights: no change will be made due to safety concerns. 

 Lights from windows: shades will be used during darkness. 

Shell will minimize the use of high-intensity work lights on the support vessels, especially when 

traversing the stipulation area and federal waters between the stipulation area and the shoreline. Exterior 

lights will be used on these vessels only as necessary to illuminate on-deck work areas during periods of 

darkness or inclement weather. Otherwise the lights will be turned off. Interior lights and lights used for 

navigation will remain on for safety. 

 

3.3.2 ClearSky Lighting Technology 

ClearSky Lighting emits fluorescent light with a unique light spectrum absent of the long-wavelength 

(red) components. This technology is produced by Philips Lighting (Attachment C). Studies indicate that 

removing the long wavelength components of the spectrum reduces the visual and orientation impact on 

birds (Marquenie 2007). 

Where applicable, all floodlights, and external incandescent and fluorescent lights on the drillship will be 

replaced with ClearSky lights. This should reduce the chances of bird strikes and still provide a safe 

working environment. 

3.4 Vessel and Aircraft Traffic 

Surface vessels associated with exploration drilling operations will avoid operating or traversing within 

the LBCHU between July 1 and November 15 as much as possible (except for emergencies or 

human/navigation safety). Vessels that do enter into the LBCHU (Figure 1.1) during this time period for 

emergencies or human/navigation safety will report the information to BOEMRE within 24 hr. 

Aircraft supporting exploration drilling operations will avoid operating below 1,500 ft (457 m) above sea 

level over the LBCHU (Figure 1.1) between July 1 and November 15 as practicable. Pre-designated 

flight routes, which will be approved by the USFWS and BOEMRE during review of the exploration 

plan, may be used if the area must be traversed and weather prevents attaining an altitude of 1,500 feet. 

Flights that are below 1,500 ft (457 m) and over the LBCHU between July 1 and November 15 will be 

reported to BOEMRE within 24 hr of the event. 
Bird Strike Avoidance and Lighting Plan Chukchi Sea, Alaska 

Shell Gulf of Mexico Inc. 12 May 2011 

4.0 REFERENCES 

Day, R.H., A.K. Prichard, and J.R. Rose. 2005. Migration and collision avoidance of eiders and other 

birds at Northstar Island, Alaska, 2001-2004: Final Report. Prepared for BP Exploration 

(Alaska) Inc.; prepared by ABR, Inc. - Environmental Research & Services, Fairbanks, AK. 154 

pp. 

Desholm, M. and J. Kahlert. 2005. Avian collision risk at an offshore wind farm. Biology Letters. 

1:296-298. http://www.journals.royalsoc.ac.uk/media/2g271rrhuj5twjvhhl5x/contributions/

n/7/8/y/n78yk3nl7j2k3rn3.pdf. Site accessed December 14, 2006. 

Gall, A. and R. Day. 2009. Distribution and abundance of seabirds in the northeastern Chukchi Sea, 

2008. Final Report prepared for ConocoPhillips Alaska Inc., Anchorage, AK and Shell 

Exploration & Production Company, Anchorage, AK by ABR, Inc. – Environmental Research & 

Services, Fairbanks, AK. 55 pp. 

Gall, A. and R. Day. 2010. Distribution and abundance of seabirds in the northeastern Chukchi Sea, 

2008-2009. Prepared for ConocoPhillips Alaska Inc., Anchorage, AK, Shell Exploration & 

Production Company, Anchorage, AK, and Statoil USA E&P, Inc., Anchorage, AK by ABR, Inc. 

– Environmental Research & Services, Fairbanks, AK. 68 pp. 

Gauthreaux, S.A. and C.G. Belser. 2005. Radar ornithology and the conservation of migratory birds. in: 

C.J. Ralph and T.D. Rich, editors. Bird Conservation Implementation and Integration in the 

Americas: Proceedings of the Third International Partners in Flight Conference. 2002 March 20-

24. pp. 871-875. Asilomar, California; Volume 2. Gen. Tech. Rep. PSW-GTR-191. Albany, 

CA: Pacific Southwest Research Station, Forest Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture. 

Gauthreaux, S.A. and J.W. Livingston. 2006. Monitoring bird migration with a fixed-beam radar and 

thermal-imaging camera. Journal of Field Ornithology. 77:319-328. 

Jones, J. and C.M. Francis. 2003. The effects of light characteristics on avian mortality at lighthouses. 

Journal of Avian Biology. 34:328–333. 

Manville, A.M. 2005. Bird strikes and electrocutions at power lines, communication towers, and wind 

turbines: state of the art and state of the science – next steps toward mitigation. USDA Forest 

Service General Technical Report. PSW-GTR-191. 

Marquenie, J.M. 2007. Green light to birds – investigation into the effect of bird-friendly lighting. 

Netherlandse Aardolie Maatschappij. The Netherlands. 

MMS. 2003. Beaufort Sea planning area-Oil and Gas Lease Sales 186, 195, and 202. Final 

environmental impact statement. Vol. I. OCS EIS/EA MMS 2003-001. U.S. Department of the 

Interior, Minerals Management Service, Alaska OCS Region. Anchorage, AK. 

MMS. 2006. Biological evaluation of Steller’s eider (Polysticta stelleri), spectacled eider (Somateria

fischeri), and Kittlitz’s murrelet (Brachyramphus brevirostris) for seismic surveys in the 

northeast Chukchi Sea and western Beaufort Sea planning areas. Alaska OCS Region. 

Anchorage, AK. March 2006. 
Bird Strike Avoidance and Lighting Plan Chukchi Sea, Alaska 

Shell Gulf of Mexico Inc. 13 May 2011 

MMS. 2007a. Information to lessees, Oil and Gas Lease Sale 202, Beaufort Sea. April 18, 2007. 

MMS. 2007b. Chukchi Sea planning area-Oil and Gas Lease Sale 193 and seismic surveying activities in 

the Chukchi Sea. Final environmental impact statement. Vol. I-III. OCS EIS/EA MMS 2007-

026. Alaska OCS Region. Anchorage, AK. May 2007. 

MMS. 2008a. Final lease stipulations Oil and Gas Lease Sale 193, Chukchi Sea February 6, 2008. U.S. 

Department of Interior, Minerals Management Service, Alaska OCS Region, Anchorage, AK. 12 

pp. 

MMS. 2008. Final information to lessees Oil and Gas Lease Sale 193, Chukchi Sea. February 6, 2008. 

New Mexico Department of Game & Fish. 2001. New Mexico Department of Game and Fish guidelines 

for mitigating bird mortality from communications towers. Conservation Services Division. 

http://www.wildlife.state.nm.us/conservation/habitat_handbook/documents/CommunicationTowe

rGuidelines.pdf. 

Petersen, M.R., W.W. Larned, and D.C. Douglas. 1999. At-sea distributions of spectacled eiders: A 120 

year-old mystery resolved.” Auk. 116:1009-1020. 

Richardson, W.J. and S.R. Johnson. 1981. Waterbird migration near the Yukon and Alaskan Coast of the 

Beaufort Sea. Arctic. 34:108-121. 

Ruth, J.M., W.C. Barrow, R.S. Sojda, D.K. Dawson, R.H. Diehl, A. Manville, M.T. Green, D.J. Krueper, 

and S. Johnston. 2005. Advancing migratory bird conservation and management by using radar: 

an interagency collaboration. U.S. Geological Survey, Biological Resources Discipline. Openfile Report 2005-1173. 

Shell Gulf of Mexico Inc. 2011. Revised Chukchi Sea exploration plan OCS Lease Sale 193, Chukchi 

Sea, Alaska, exploration drilling program Posey Area Blocks 6714, 6762, 6764,6812, 6912, 

6915. Submitted to U.S. Department of Interior, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, 

Regulation and Enforcement, Alaska OCS Region by Shell Gulf of Mexico Inc., Anchorage, AK. 

Troy Ecological Research Associates. 1999. Spectacled Eiders in the Beaufort Sea: Distribution and 

Timing of Use. Final Report. BPXA. Anchorage, AK. 

USFWS. 1996. Spectacled eider recovery Plan. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Anchorage, AK. 

USFWS. 2003. Biological opinion for Minerals Management Service’s proposed Beaufort Sea Natural 

Gas and Oil Lease Sale 186. in: Beaufort Sea Planning Area Oil and Gas Lease Sales 186, 195, 

and 202 Final Environmental Impact Statement. MMS. Alaska OCS Region. Anchorage, AK. 

MMS 2003-001. Vol. 4. 

USFWS. 2005a. ADVISORY: recommended time periods for avoiding vegetation clearing in Alaska in 

order to protect migratory birds. Anchorage, Alaska. 

USFWS. 2005b. Alaska’s threatened and endangered species. Unpublished report. U. S. Fish and 

Wildlife Service, Anchorage Field Office, Anchorage, Alaska. March 2005. 
Bird Strike Avoidance and Lighting Plan Chukchi Sea, Alaska 

Shell Gulf of Mexico Inc. 14 May 2011 

USFWS. 2006a. ESA basics fact sheet. June 2006. 

USFWS. 2006b. Threatened and endangered species: a consultation guide for southcentral Alaska. June 

2006. 

Verheijen, F.J. 1985. Photopollution: artificial light optic spatial control systems fail to cope with: 

incidents, causations, remedies. Experimental Biology. 44:1-18. 

Woodby, D.A. and G.J. Divoky. 1982. Spring migration of eiders and other waterbirds at Point Barrow, 

Alaska. Arctic. 35:403-410. 
Bird Strike Avoidance and Lighting Plan Chukchi Sea, Alaska 

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Attachment A 

 Lease Stipulation No. 7 

Oil and Gas Lease Sale 193, Chukchi Sea
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LEASE STIPULATION NO. 7 

OIL AND GAS LEASE SALE 193, CHUKCHI SEA 

Stipulation No. 7. Measures to Minimize Effects to Spectacled and Steller’s Eiders During Exploration 

Activities. This stipulation will minimize the likelihood that spectacled and Steller’s eiders will strike 

drilling structures or vessels. The stipulation also provides additional protection to eiders within the 

blocks listed below and Federal waters landward of the sale area, including the Ledyard Bay Critical 

Habitat Area, during times when eiders are present. 

(A) General conditions: The following conditions apply to all exploration activities. 

(1) An EP must include a plan for recording and reporting bird strikes. All bird collisions (with 

vessels, aircraft, or drilling structures) shall be documented and reported within 3 days to MMS. 

Minimum information will include species, date/time, location, weather, identification of the vessel, 

and aircraft or drilling structure involved and its operational status when the strike occurred. Bird 

photographs are not required, but would be helpful in verifying species. Lessees are advised that the 

FWS does not recommend recovery or transport of dead or injured birds due to avian influenza 

concerns. 

(2) The following conditions apply to operations conducted in support of exploratory and delineation 

drilling. 

(a) Surface vessels (e.g., boats, barges) associated with exploration and delineation drilling 

operations should avoid operating within or traversing the listed blocks or Federal waters between 

the listed blocks and the coastline between April 15 and June 10, to the maximum extent 

practicable. If surface vessels must traverse this area during this period, the surface vessel 

operator will have ready access to wildlife hazing equipment (including at least three Breco buoys 

or similar devices) and personnel trained in its use; hazing equipment may located onboard the 

vessel or on a nearby oil spill response vessel, or in Point Lay or Wainwright. Lessees are 

required to provide information regarding their operations within the area upon request of MMS. 

The MMS may request information regarding number of vessels and their dates of operation 

within the area. 

(b) Except for emergencies or human/navigation safety, surface vessels associated with 

exploration and delineation drilling operations will avoid travel within the Ledyard Bay Critical 

Habitat Area between July 1 and November 15. Vessel travel within the Ledyard Bay Critical 

Habitat Area for emergencies or human/navigation safety shall be reported within 24 hr to MMS. 

(c) Aircraft supporting drilling operations will avoid operating below 1,500 feet above sea level 

over the listed blocks or Federal waters between the listed blocks and the coastline between April 

15 and June 10, or the Ledyard Bay Critical Habitat Area between July 1 and November 15, to 

the maximum extent practicable. If weather prevents attaining this altitude, aircraft will use predesignated flight routes. Predesignated flight routes will be established by the lessee and MMS, 

in collaboration with the FWS, during review of the EP. Route or altitude deviations for 

emergencies or human safety shall be reported within 24 hr to MMS. 

 
Bird Strike Avoidance and Lighting Plan Chukchi Sea, Alaska 

Shell Gulf of Mexico, Inc. A-2 May 2011 

(B) Lighting Protocols. The following lighting requirements apply to activities conducted between April 

15 and November 15 of each year. 

(1) Drilling Structures: Lessees must adhere to lighting requirements for all exploration or 

delineation drilling structures so as to minimize the likelihood that migrating marine and coastal birds 

will strike these structures. Lessees are required to implement lighting requirements aimed at 

minimizing the radiation of light outward from exploration or delineation drilling structures to 

minimize the likelihood that birds will strike those structures. These requirements establish a 

coordinated process for a performance-based objective rather than pre-determined prescriptive 

requirements. The performance-based objective is to minimize the radiation of light outward from 

exploration/delineation structures while operating on a lease or if staged within nearshore Federal 

waters pending lease deployment. 

Measures to be considered include but need not be limited to the following: 

 Shading and/or light fixture placement to direct light inward and downward to living and 

work structures while minimizing light radiating upward and outward; 

 Types of lights; 

 Adjustment of the number and intensity of lights as needed during specific activities; 

 Dark paint colors for selected surfaces; 

 Low-reflecting finishes or coverings for selected surfaces; and 

 Facility or equipment configuration. 

Lessees are encouraged to consider other technical, operational, and management approaches that 

could be applied to their specific facilities and operations to reduce outward light radiation. Lessees 

must provide MMS with a written statement of measures that will be or have been taken to meet the 

lighting objective, and must submit this information with an EP when it is submitted for regulatory 

review and approval pursuant to 30 CFR 250.203. 

(2) Support Vessels: Surface support vessels will minimize the use of high-intensity work lights, 

especially when traversing the listed blocks and federal waters between the listed blocks and the 

coastline. Exterior lights will be used only as necessary to illuminate active, on-deck work areas 

during periods of darkness or inclement weather (such as rain or fog), otherwise they will be turned 

off. Interior lights and lights used during navigation could remain on for safety. 

For the purpose of this stipulation, the listed blocks are as follows:

 
Bird Strike Avoidance and Lighting Plan Chukchi Sea, Alaska 

Shell Gulf of Mexico, Inc. A-3 May 2011 

STIPULATION NO. 7 

OIL AND GAS LEASE SALE 193, CHUKCHI SEA 

LISTED BLOCKS (STIPULATION AREA) 

NR02-06, Chukchi Sea: 

6624, 6625, 6674, 6675, 6723-6725, 6773-6775, 6822, 6823, 6872 

NR03-02, Posey: 

6872, 6873, 6918-6923, 6967-6973, 7016-7023, 7063-7073, 7112-7123 

NR03-03, Colbert

6674, 6723, 6724, 6771-6774, 6820-6824, 6869-6874, 6918-6924, 6966-6974, 

7015-7024, 7064-7074, 7113-7124 

NR03-04, Solivik Island

6011-6023, 6060-6073, 6109-6122, 6157-6171, 6206-6219, 6255-6268, 6305-6317, 

6354-6365, 6403-6414, 6453-6462, 6502-6511, 6552-6560, 6601-6609, 6651-6658, 

6701-6707, 6751-6756, 6801-6805, 6851-6854, 6901-6903, 6951, 6952, 7001 

NR03-05, Point Lay West

6014-6024, 6062-6073, 6111-6122, 6160-6171, 6209-6221, 6258-6269, 6307-6317, 

6356-6365, 6406-6414, 6455-6462, 6503-6510, 6552-6558, 6602-6606, 6652-6655, 

6702, 6703 

NR04-01, Hanna Shoal

6223, 6267-6273, 6315-6323, 6363-6373, 6411-6423, 6459-6473, 6507-6523, 

6556-6573, 6605-6623, 6654-6671, 6703-6721, 6752-6771, 6801-6819, 6851-6868, 

6901-6916, 6951-6964, 7001-7010, 7051-7059, 7101-7107 

NR04-02, Barrow

6003-6022, 6052-6068, 6102-6118, 6151-6164, 6201-6214, 6251-6262, 6301-6312, 

6351-6359, 6401-6409, 6451-6456, 6501-6506, 6551, 6552, 6601, 6602 

NR04-03, Wainwright

6002-6006, 6052, 6053 

NS04-08, (Unnamed) 

6816-6822, 6861-6872, 6910-6922, 6958-6972, 7007-7022, 7055-7072, 7104-7122 
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Attachment B 

Avian Collision Form 
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AVIAN COLLISION FORM

Observer (Name or Initials) Vessel Name 

Collision Observations 

Casualty 

ID* 

Date/Time 

(dd/mm/yy 

/military) 

Injury 

Status1 

Species Sex2 (M, F, U)/Age3 

(A, J, U) 

Cause of Strike Injury Description 

(broken wing, etc.) 

Photo 

ID4 

D W U 

□ Window □ Structure □ Light □ Other______ 

D W U 

□ Window □ Structure □ Light □ Other______ 

D W U 

□ Window □ Structure □ Light □ Other______ 

D W U 

□ Window □ Structure □ Light □ Other______ 

D W U 

□ Window □ Structure □ Light □ Other______ 

D W U 

□ Window □ Structure □ Light □ Other______ 

*For each new casualty, Create a unique ID value for each new casualty observed. Always start ID with date (e.g. "020104DUCK" for injured duck foun

additional info in ID as needed (e.g. "020104DUCK3" for 3rd injured duck found Feb. 1, 2004). "DUCK" refers to 4-letter species code. 

1 D= dead, W= wounded, U= unknown 2 M= male, F= female, U = unknown 3 A= adult, J= juvenile, U= unknown 4 Name digital photo starting with CASUALTY ID and adding chronological number starting with 001 

AVIAN COLLISION FORM 
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Attachment C 

Philips ClearSky Lighting 

 
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B

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ird Strike Avoidance a

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