Airfoilmod,
I always respect your points. I do not in any way suggest that flight safety be compromised. You note that sanctuaries are made by humans, but more correct I would suggest a bird sanctuary is all that is left after us humans are done with the rest of the land. Of course it would be best for that bird sanctuary land to be far from an airport but it seems all too often that both are near each other (perhaps due to land values??).
I do not however like the idea of getting rid of scarce natural habitat only in the name of economics and convenience. My point with the mention of LHR is that it is illogical to say that first there gets priority (airport operation over homeowners objections) but then say we have to get rid of preexisting natural habitat to make the airport safer when birds conflict with planes.
Actions need to be taken to reduce the risk of such acidents such as this one, and in some cases perhpas relocating the airport would be the best option, even if that airport is farther away. It might even be the only option as it seems that sometimes nothing will prevent birds from being around cerrtain locations at certain times. Yes, I know this would be bl...dy expensive and difficult but if planned for over time then reasonable (eg Incheon, Korea, Bangkok and Hong Kong although for differnet reasons) and beneficail for numerous reasons, not only birds.
As for there being more geese, well true, but there are also more 320s.