Survey of birds for offshore windfarms in Danish waters: North Sea I

In 2023-2024, ornithological studies were conducted in the North Sea I area of the eastern Danish North Sea to provide baseline data for future offshore wind farm environmental impact assessments. Eight aerial surveys recorded 28 bird species across seven species groups, using distance sampling to model abundances and distributions. Key species included divers, gannets, kittiwakes, and auks, with persistence maps highlighting areas of high and low importance. Ship-based and radar surveys described flight activity and altitude, showing most species flying at low altitude levels, with peak migration during spring and autumn. The report contextualises species patterns across the Danish North Sea, supporting environmental assessments and spatial planning for future offshore wind developments.