USGS Home
Contact USGS
Search USGS

Effects of human disturbance on distribution and behavior of brant (Branta bernicla bernicla) wintering in Essex were assessed. Disturbed areas and places with poor visibility for the brant were avoided in early winter, but were used later when favored areas became depleted of food. Brant became partially habituated to the proximity of people and to some loud noises, but did not habituate to small, low-flying aircraft. Disturbance could be ameliorated or reduced by restricting access of people to the sea wall in certain areas around high tide, and by controlling low-flying aircraft in the area.