Airports' Strategies To Deter Birds: A Comprehensive Guide

Birds and planes don't mix. While most bird-plane collisions only result in minor damage to the exterior of the plane, encounters with larger birds or entire flocks can severely damage a plane. Bird strikes on planes have caused several incidents in recent years, including a United flight that was forced to return to Fargo, North Dakota, after a bird hit the front of the plane, and another flight in Scotland's Shetland Islands that struck a bird and returned to the airport. As such, preventing bird strikes is a priority for airports around the world.

Using dogs to chase birds away

Using dogs to chase away birds is a creative way to ensure safety at airports. Dogs are trained to chase birds away from airport grounds, preventing bird-plane collisions that can be dangerous and costly. While this method is effective, it is not widely used due to the costs of training and maintaining dogs and their handlers.

Border collies, in particular, have proven to be effective in keeping airfields bird-free. They use their predatory posture to "herd" birds out of the airfield space, creating safer runways for planes. The Hawaii Department of Transportation and Bentonville Municipal Airport in Arkansas are examples of airports that have successfully employed border collies to deter birds.

It is important to note that the use of dogs as a bird control method is only effective when the dogs are present. Once the threat is removed, the birds will return. Additionally, there is a risk of causing bird strikes on the runway if the dogs scatter the birds in the wrong direction. Therefore, it is crucial to have proper management strategies in place when using dogs for bird control at airports.

The fear instilled in the birds by the presence of dogs prevents them from nesting, feeding, and resting in the airport area. This method of bird control requires consistent implementation and a focused target area for success. The use of dogs can be complemented by other deterrents, such as audio, visual, and chemical repellants, habitat modification, physical barriers, and population management techniques, to further enhance its effectiveness.

By employing trained dogs, airports can reduce the risk of bird strikes and create a safer environment for aircraft and passengers. However, it is just one part of a comprehensive strategy to keep birds away from airports and prevent hazardous encounters with aircraft.

Bird effigies

Airports have used plastic owls as a type of bird effigy to scare off other birds, but these are not very effective. While they may work as a temporary deterrent, birds will eventually realise that the plastic owls are not a threat.

Other types of bird effigies include plastic snakes, rubber snakes, and even scarecrows.

Pyrotechnics and cannons

However, birds can become accustomed to these noises, especially if they occur at the same time every day. Therefore, it is important to vary the methods used to keep the birds guessing.

Pyrotechnics are one of the most popular methods for deterring birds, but they are only effective in the short term. They sometimes only move birds from one area of the airport to another.

Habitat modification

Modifying the physical environment is another important aspect of habitat modification. Airports can remove bushes and plants that can be used for nesting, fill in ponds or other water sources, and replace grass with gravel to make the area less appealing for birds. Some airports have even deployed pigs to eat gull eggs, reducing the bird population over time. These modifications aim to make the airport and its surroundings less attractive to birds, preventing them from nesting or loitering in the area.

In addition to food and physical habitat modifications, airports also focus on disrupting the behaviour of birds. This can be achieved by using a variety of tools and techniques, such as pyrotechnics, air cannons, distress calls, and other audio and visual deterrents. By creating an unpredictable and stressful environment for birds, airports can effectively reduce the risk of bird strikes.

While habitat modification is an essential strategy, it is often combined with other methods, such as trained animals, physical barriers, and population management, to create an integrated approach to bird control at airports.

Killing birds/destroying nests

Killing birds or destroying their nests is a drastic measure that is generally avoided unless absolutely necessary. However, in extreme cases, airports may resort to lethal control methods to protect aircraft and passengers from the dangers of bird strikes. Here are some ways that airports can implement these measures:

Lethal Control

Lethal control involves directly killing birds to reduce their population near airports. While this approach is not commonly used, it is sometimes considered a last resort to reinforce other repellent methods. Airports must comply with regulations and ensure that any lethal control is conducted responsibly and humanely.

Habitat Modification

Airports can make the surrounding areas less attractive to birds by eliminating their sources of food, water, and shelter. This includes removing garbage, crops, landfills, and dumps that may provide sustenance for birds. Additionally, airports can alter the landscape by filling in ponds, removing vegetation, and replacing grass with gravel to make it more challenging for birds to find nesting sites.

Nest Destruction

Targeted destruction of bird nests is another strategy employed by airports. By preventing birds from establishing permanent residences near the airport, the risk of bird strikes is reduced. This method requires consistent monitoring and proactive measures to identify and destroy nests before they become a hazard.

Integrated Approach

A combination of lethal control, habitat modification, and nest destruction can be utilised to maximise the effectiveness of bird control. For example, airports may use lethal methods to reduce the bird population while also modifying the surrounding habitat to make it less hospitable for birds. This integrated approach aims to create a long-lasting solution by addressing the immediate and future presence of birds.

While killing birds or destroying their nests is a controversial and sensitive topic, it is sometimes deemed necessary to ensure the safety of aviation operations. Airports must carefully assess the situation and implement these measures responsibly, taking into account the potential impact on bird populations and the environment.

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