8,700 Studies Reviewed. 87.0% Found Biological Effects. The Evidence is Clear.
Shield Your Body
Brain & Nervous System

Migrating birds respond to Project Seafarer's electromagnetic field

Bioeffects Seen

Authors not listed · 1977

Share:

Migrating birds changed flight patterns when exposed to Project Seafarer's low-frequency antenna, proving wildlife detects artificial EMF.

Plain English Summary

Summary written for general audiences

Scientists tracked migrating birds flying over a large military antenna system called Project Seafarer in 1977. When the antenna was broadcasting low-frequency electromagnetic fields, birds changed their flight paths and altitudes more frequently than when it was turned off. This study provided early evidence that birds can detect and respond to artificial electromagnetic fields during migration.

Why This Matters

This 1977 study represents a pivotal moment in EMF research, demonstrating that wildlife can detect and respond to artificial electromagnetic fields at intensities far below what causes tissue heating. Project Seafarer was a massive military communication system designed to transmit extremely low frequency signals to submarines worldwide. The fact that migrating birds altered their flight behavior when exposed to these fields suggests their natural navigation systems were being disrupted. What makes this particularly relevant today is that we're now surrounded by electromagnetic fields from cell towers, WiFi networks, and smart devices that operate at much higher frequencies and power levels than what affected these birds. The science demonstrates that biological systems have evolved exquisite sensitivity to electromagnetic fields for navigation and other functions, yet our regulatory standards focus only on preventing thermal effects while ignoring these subtler biological responses.

Exposure Information

Specific exposure levels were not quantified in this study.

Cite This Study
Unknown (1977). Migrating birds respond to Project Seafarer's electromagnetic field.
Show BibTeX
@article{migrating_birds_respond_to_project_seafarers_electromagnetic_field_ce4887,
  author = {Unknown},
  title = {Migrating birds respond to Project Seafarer's electromagnetic field},
  year = {1977},
  doi = {10.1126/SCIENCE.836585},
  
}
DOI: 10.1126/SCIENCE.836585PubMed: 836585

Quick Questions About This Study

Project Seafarer was a massive U.S. Navy communication system designed to transmit extremely low frequency radio signals to submarines worldwide. The antenna system covered large geographical areas and operated at very low frequencies to penetrate deep ocean water for military communications.
Scientists used radar tracking to monitor individual migrating birds as they flew over the Project Seafarer antenna system. They compared flight patterns when the antenna was actively transmitting electromagnetic fields versus when it was turned off, documenting changes in altitude and direction.
Birds likely changed flight paths because the artificial electromagnetic fields interfered with their natural magnetic navigation systems. Many bird species use Earth's magnetic field for orientation during migration, and the antenna's EMF may have disrupted these sensitive biological compasses.
Yes, this study showed birds responded to electromagnetic field intensities far below levels that cause tissue heating. The behavioral changes occurred at power levels considered non-thermal, indicating biological effects can happen without temperature increases in exposed tissues.
Many current wireless technologies operate at higher frequencies and power levels than Project Seafarer's extremely low frequency system. Cell towers, WiFi networks, and smart devices create electromagnetic environments that are often more intense than what caused behavioral changes in these migrating birds.