Advantages and Disadvantages of the use of Rotor-Winged Aircraft in Raptor Surveys
ABSTRACT
We believe that the advantages of aerial survey with helicopters far outweigh the disadvantages. Disturbance may be less than that caused by entering on foot. Statistical validity is greatly increased as is understanding of the gestalt of the population. Although other raptors may react in a different manner to helicopter observations, our impressions are that little damage is done by aerial vehicles used in the manner we have described for collecting data from the raptor species we have mentioned. Additionally one should be aware that although the cost, on a per hour basis, for helicopters may be considered expensive, it may prove no more expensive than the cost of outfitting and supporting a field party when the differential of time and efficiency are compared.
