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Science 29 August 2003:
Vol. 301. no. 5637, p. 1169
DOI: 10.1126/science.301.5637.1169c
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ScienceScope

Bowing to pressure from bird advocates, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has launched a major inquiry into the impact that the nation's 100,000 communications towers are having on bird populations. The agency last week began collecting public comment on everything from the quality of existing studies to ideas for new research.

Bird researchers estimate that towers--from short cell phone antennae to towering TV spires--kill at least 4 million birds per year (Science, 11 October 2002, p. 357). But it is not clear what factors, such as tower height and lighting, cause the deadly collisions. "There does not appear to be systematic research ... regarding exactly how and to what extent, if at all, these factors contribute to any risk to migratory birds," says FCC, which is accepting comments until late this year with an eye toward better construction regulations.

Some observers are skeptical that the review will lead to more money for research. "Unless they generate new data, it's not answering the question," says Ellen Paul, executive director of the Ornithological Council in Washington, D.C.

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Science. ISSN 0036-8075 (print), 1095-9203 (online)