1.1   Spring migration

The spring migration is more dispersed and less spectacular than the autumn one, the most active part is in April and May. The principal direction over Hungary is towards north and north-east. The most important factors inducing heavy migration are a rise in temperature, light and southerly winds.

1.2   Autumn migration

The autumn migration lasts for more than three months. The first flight movements can already be seen from the end of July, while the last movements of any significance are completed by the end of November. They have a typical stream of movement with periods of relative calm interspersed with periods of very intense migration. Between mid-August and mid-November migratory birds are particularly active. The movement takes place mostly in south and south-east direction, the birds usually move towards the Balkan Peninsula or the Bosporus. The most important factor inducing heavy migration is a fall in temperature and northerly winds.

1.3   Number of birds

There is no information about the quantity of migratory bird individuals. Smaller passerines are dominating (but they are not dangerous to aircraft), and several species occur in great densities and/or are large, resulting in being very hazardous to aircraft, e.g.: ducks, geese, storks, waders, birds of prey, pigeons, starlings, crows.

1.4   Information on densities

Concentrations of birds typically occur at wetlands. Most hotspots for birds are covered in Hungary by restricted areas established for environmental protection (usually from ground level to 450 m above ground level), where flying with motorised vehicles requires special authorisation (see relevant legislation below).

1.5   Reporting of bird strike

• All pilots on flights during take-off or landing within Budapest FIR shall report to the competent aerodrome ATS unit all cases of bird strike or incidents where a risk of bird strike has been present.
• In the case of landing, a report shall be made in writing by completing a Bird Strike Reporting Form (hereinafter referred to as BSRF), preferably immediately after landing.
• If the incident occurs on a flight during take-off and the pilot does not consider it necessary to interrupt the flight, (s)he shall notify the competent aerodrome ATS unit by radio and then complete the BSRF at the aerodrome of destination. The aircraft operator shall ensure that the completed BSRF is transmitted to the departure airport operator.
• If the aircraft collides with a bird en route, the incident shall be reported to the competent aerodrome ATS unit at the airport of destination, indicating the location of the collision.

2.1   Bird Migration Index Chart

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