Birdie!

This is coolbert:

Hasta la vista Birdie!

From a variety of Internet web sites the commercial means and methods already employed at American air fields [civilian and military both] to ward off infestations of birds the danger as posed by BASH [bird accident strike hazard]! Masses of birds, flocks either residents or migrants, small and large avians creating a danger to aircraft either on take-off or landing!

Means and methods best categorized and to include repellents, noise, and animals!

1. Repellents:


[Chemical and electrification not lethal but VERY uncomfortable!]

* "AVIPEL and AIREPEL S-2 Booster . . . bird repellent applied to surfaces such as ledges, roofs and structures where birds roost."

* "Bird Repel [electrified system] is the ideal anti-roosting device that provides an effective solution to the mess and dangers of birds in and around airports."

* "ReJeX–iT or similar MA/soy oil blend and employ simple timers and compression systems to create environments unfavorable to all birds."

2. Repellents:

[visual - - distorts the vision of the birds, causing confusion!]

* "FlightControlR PLUS goose repellent in February 2004. Turf treated with FlightControl PLUS looks different to geese in the ultraviolet light spectrum."

* "The Firefly Flight Diverter, a new visual deterrent designed to affect avian vision day or night will deter raptors and other species in flight."

3. Noise:


[the big boom scaring the birds away!]

* "BirdBlaster, a bird activated radar deterrent system uses compressed air in a timed sequence to produce an audio/visual alert."

* "The Long-distance Blast Banger Bird-Dispersing System smoke, signal, flare and chemical ammunition"

* "Scare Away LP gas cannons, pyrotechnic cartridges, and electronic distress cry generators"

* "Sonic Bird Sweep is capable of delivering directional, intelligible sounds up to 1 mile."

* “'Shock & Awe' multi-shot scare cartridge launchers . . . radio controlled on-demand propane cannons""

4. Critters:


[dogs  falcons, and owl decoys - - animals that are natural predators. Geese for instance recognizing any animal that goes on all fours and has long fur as an enemy to stay away from!]

* "BCR's Birdstrike Control Program . . . featuring highly trained border collies"

* "Geese Police, Inc. uses highly trained working border collies to herd Canada geese off properties"

5. Water denial.


[used against waterfowl prevents their landing, nesting, etc.]

* "Euro-Matic Bird balls are 100mm hollow or water-filled plastic balls that form a floating cover for ponds and lagoons."

* "Aqua-Lator Environmental Ball, or E-BallTM, can be used to cover ponds and prevent birds from using these sites"

And for the detection and monitoring and archiving of "bird and bat activity" we have:

* "GMI's Mobile Avian Radar System (MARS) provides all-weather, unattended, 24/7 real-time monitoring and archiving of bird and bat activity."

A radar specifically designed to detect the presence of bats and birds and archive the data for research!

I think the consensus among the experts would be that BASH can be ameliorated to an extent but NEVER eliminated, the threat and danger will always exist. An understanding and taking into account of bird migration patterns, the routes and seasonal variation is a big help in this regard! BASH never will be gone, always will be there, but again, the threat can be lessened, quite significantly with some thought and action! NO one panacea but a holistic approach is required for the problem!

coolbert.