Although preliminary studies are in their early stages, Cuban environmentalists have so far seen no reason for concern in relation to birds in the area of the construction of the Argyle International Airport.{{more}}

Two of the researchers indicated this, after a trip to the bird sanctuary at Milligan’s Cays, where they had gone to study the different species of birds and their flight path in relation to the airport.

Earlier this month, they conducted similar visits to the King’s Hill reserve and the land fill site at Brighton.

During Monday’s visit to the island, located at the southwestern end of mainland St. Vincent, the men, Alejandro Llanes Sosa and Eneiver Perez Mena, believe that more studies would have to be conducted, but from what they have seen so far, all is well.

Both men, employed at the Cuban Ministry of Science, Technology and the Environment, are here conducting studies of the birds’ flight patterns and to determine if they will affect the planes expected to land at the International Airport, scheduled to be completed in 2010.

Accompanied by officials from the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries and members of the media, the men indicated that from what they have seen so far, it appears that the birds are more likely to migrate to other areas and should not be in the path of arriving or departing flights.

Their trip to the island, which was designated a bird sanctuary years ago, revealed little bird activity. This, Sosa said, was because it was not mating or migrating season.

He said that the men would have to make another trip to the island some time in October, before making any final recommendations.

The study of the birds’ flight patterns in relation to the flights of aircraft in the area and their effects on each other, following the construction of the airport, constitute one of a number of environmental studies being conducted as the airport project moves along.