Just a few things gleaned from 5 years in bird control which may be useful to aircrew and ground airport operatives.
Knowing where the birds are on the ground is a good start and sometimes they are best not disturbed when a airmove is very close(had to stop the security police letting their gaurd dogs chase gull flocks off empty dispersals at night)
They do usually take off into wind and the stronger the wind at surface the lower they stay.
After several studies in Europe ,on balance, longer grass around 6 inches average is better.It discourages flocks where the species needs a clear view of possible danger.(But many officers in charge of RAF airfields disliked this cos they hated untidy grass !! )
Heavy rain which floods soft grass airfield areas will bring worms to the surface and increase bird activity. Land drainage should be maintained. Marshes attract birds so those inside the airfield ownership should be drained. Even the RSPb rep at air safety meetings agreed with this.
The use of raptors ie Hawks to control birds is useful but the best part is that you get a keen operative who will be out and about and they have a good knowledge of bird behaviour.
Last edited by scotavia; 22nd January 2009 at 11:57.
Reason: typo