Geni Swing Guitars

Top Birds

Bird Control For Airports

 

Birds have cost airlines big money in aircraft damage, downtime and even downed aircraft. The statistics are staggering and point to the need for aggressive bird control measures.

During a 19-year period from 1990 to 2008, 89,727 strikes were reported to the FAA across the United States. California, Texas, Florida, and New York suffered the most bird strikes (7,442, 5,963, 5,571 and 4,732, respectively). Twenty-one other states each reported more than 1,000 bird strikes.

While other wildlife sometimes contributed to aircraft mishaps, birds were involved in 97.4 percent of the reported strikes. Most bird strikes occurred between July and October and 62 percent occurred during the day. A total of 60 percent occurred during an aircraft's landing, and 37 percent occurred during takeoff and climb. About 59 percent of the bird strikes occurred when the aircraft was at a height of 100 feet or less. Nearly 72 percent occurred at 500 feet or less and 92 percent occurred at or below 3,000 feet. Bird control measures could have prevented many of the strikes.

A total of 59,047 bird strikes did not damage the aircraft; while 5,112 aircraft suffered minor damage; 2,456 suffered substantial damage; and 24 aircraft were destroyed as a result of the strike. The aircraft components most struck by birds were the nose/radome, windshield, engine, wing/rotor, and fuselage. Aircraft engines were most frequently damaged by bird strikes.

For the 19-year period, five of the strikes resulting in seven fatalities involved unidentified species of birds. American white pelicans, Canada geese, white-tailed deer and brown-pelicans were responsible for nine fatalities. Ducks and geese caused 40 strikes, injuring 45 humans; vultures created 24 strikes, resulting in 26 injuries.

In April 2008, a Challenger 600 struck several American white pelicans at 3,000 feet during its climb from a Colorado airport. One bird penetrated the nose of the aircraft and entered the cockpit. Both engines ingested birds and one engine lost power. Fortunately, the pilot was able to return and land safely. Repair costs exceeded $2 million. Effective bird control measures might have prevented this mishap.

In December 2008, a gadwall was ingested into the #3 engine of an MD-10 at 2,700 feet during the aircraft's approach. The entire engine and cowling had to be replaced. The aircraft was out of service for over three days and repair costs exceeded $900,000.

Effective Bird Control Measures

To prevent these and other bird strike mishaps, airports need to adopt effective and humane bird control measures. The most popular are listed below:

Bird Netting

A highly effective physical barrier method of bird control, Bird Netting keeps pest birds from gathering and nesting at airport facilities. For best results, heavy-duty bird netting should be used. The best netting is made of ISO 1806 mesh test polyethylene fabric and is UV stabilized, flame resistant and rot and waterproof. Bird netting comes in various mesh sizes to deter specific bird species.

When covering an airplane hangar with bird netting, thousands of square feet of netting and special lifts and power equipment will be required. In this case, it's best to call in a professional bird control installer. Improperly installed netting will sag and droop, creating gaps that allow pest birds to enter.

Misters and Foggers

Bird misters and foggers have been widely used at airports to achieve bird control. These devices emit an ultra fine mist of methyl anthranilate--a grape extract that naturally occurs in concord grapes--to disperse and discourage pest birds from gathering around tarmacs and runways. Recognized by the FDA as a safe substance, the chemical can be used to deter a wide range of pest birds, including, sparrows, pigeons, starlings, crows, blackbirds and geese. The chemical works by irritating the trigeminal nerve and mucous membranes of birds when they fly through it. One whiff and they're gone.

Bird Slopes

Bird Slopes achieve bird control by denying pest birds a landing zone. And if they can't land, they won't stay. Birds simply slide off these angled, slippery PVC panels no matter how many times they try to "get a grip." Suitable for eaves, ledges, beams and other 90-degree areas where pest birds tend to nest and roost, the panels install easily using glue, nails or screws. Bird slopes even come in different colors to blend in with an airport's décor.

Electric Tracks

For on-the-spot bird control, Electric Track bird repellers work quite well as a bird control measure. Mount them on ledges, rooftops, in and around airport structures and birds will disappear from those areas. They work by delivering a harmless electric shock that quickly discourages pest birds. The best electric tracks feature a low-profile flow-through design to keep water from damming up around them.

Bird Gels

This is another localized bird control measure that will keep pest birds off towers and other airport structures. Bird Gels are easy to apply using a standard caulking gun. The gel stays sticky and tacky for about six months--a surface birds hate to set foot on. Safe for birds (except swallows), gels are an ideal bird deterrent for use on ledges, I-beams, parapet walls, conduit, pipes, and most flat or curved surfaces.

Bird Sonic Devices

Like most creatures, birds feel very uncomfortable when they hear the sounds of predators nearby. Bird Sonic devices exploit this fear to the max, broadcasting a variety of predator calls and birds in distress over a wide area. Some devices emit the sound of Peregrine falcons defending their territory (a pigeon's natural enemy). Another sonic device aimed at starlings and seagulls blasts the sounds of predator hawks screeching and gulls under attack. One versatile device emits distress and predator calls for as many as 22 types of birds. In some cases, the sounds are amplified and broadcast through special generating units, covering up to 40 acres.  These sonic units, used in open areas, are best used with other methods of bird control such as the misting devices.

Plastic bird spikes

Plastic bird spikes are a highly effective method of bird control for use around airports. The chief advantage they have over stainless steel spikes is that they are non-conductive and won't interfere with EM transmissions. This means they can be used where high frequency transmissions like radar and other flight transmissions are being generated.

Installed on air-traffic control towers, hangars and maintenance bays, plastic bird spikes won't allow pest birds to land. They are especially effective in preventing large pest birds from landing on flat or curved surfaces. Birds like pigeons, crows, gulls, vultures and raptors.

Bird Strike Statistics Courtesy of U. S. Department Of Transportation, FAA Wildlife Strikes to Civil Aircraft in the U.S. 1990–2008 U. S. Department of Agriculture Animal & Plant Health Inspection Service, Wildlife Services.

About the Author

Alex Kecskes is a freelance writer focusing on effective and humane bird control methods. To learn more about the products listed in this article or preventing bird strikes, please contact Bird-B-Gone http://www.birdbgone.com

Birds $6 Birds

The Birds $6 The Birds

Birds and Branches Top $29.99 Silhouetted birds and branches with silver-foil accents are printed on sky blue. Scoop neck; three-quarter sleeves. USA/imported. 100% cotton.

Winter Birds Top $39.95 Glittering crystals accent a charming winter scene of birds, snowflakes, and sprigs of greenery in this all-over print. Cotton ribknit top has a jewel neck and three-quarter sleeves. Machine wash. Made in USA/imported. 25" long. (2X-3X) Add $5

Birds under Top Hat, 19th century $34.99 Birds under Top Hat, 19th century - Giclee Print

Birds Women's Tank Top by CafePress $22 Where we're from the birds sing a pretty song, and there's always music in the air quote from Twin Peaks David Lynch, spoken by the Man From Another Place. Birds Women's Tank Top Sporty and sexy, wear our women's tank top to beat the summer heat or workout in cool comfort. Our tank top is made of 100% combed ring spun cotton, and cut for a close, fashionable fit. Neck and armhole are carefully shaped to conceal a bra.6.1 o

Backyard Birds of Florida $20.56 Backyard Birds is an exciting new series of books that explores the top 25 backyard birds most commonly found in each state.

Love Birds $1.59 These two love birds were designed by one of the world's most sought after wedding planners, Mindy Weiss. The save the date announcement has aqua and white stripes. The top is designed with two birds on a floral branch and the bottom with a swirled border. Matching accommodation and informal cards are available. Bright white respond cards are also available.

Birds of a Feather $1.31 A cute little pair make the perfect impression! This adorable bird themed save the date features an aqua colored background with tiny birds on a wire at the top and bottom. Large initials and a date at the bottom right can be added in the font and color shown. Coordinating enclosure cards, envelope lining and envelope seals are available.

PRS Stripped' 58 Electric Guitar Gold Top Birds $2726 PRS Stripped' 58 Electric Guitar Gold Top Birds

Prs Stripped' 58 Electric Guitar Gold Top Birds $2726 PRS Stripped' 58 Electric Guitar Gold Top Birds

Used Prs 513 10 Top Birds Nat 12/10/11 $2099.99 In Store Used USED PRS 513 10 TOP BIRDS NAT 12/10/11

Prs Custom 24 10 Top With Birds Whale Blue $3055.99 In Store Platinum PRS Custom 24 10 Top with Birds Whale Blue

Prs Special 10 Top W/ Birds Tobacco Sunburst $3116.99 In Store Platinum PRS Special 10 Top w/ Birds Tobacco Sunburst

Premium Flip Top Feeder For Wild Birds Jumbo $21.27 Gardman's Premium Flip Top Feeder For Wild Birds has entry Level Feeders with a Great New Fresh Design. It is easy to fill, One Handed Flip-Top Opening. It Has Feeder Pole Fitting Within Base. Premium Flip Top Feeder For Wild Birds is an Outstanding Value. Size: Jumbo. Search_Phrases: Wild Bird,Wild Bird Feeder,Flip Top Seed Feeder, Wild Bird Sunflower Seeds,Wild Bird Peanuts,Wild Bird Products,Gardman Wild Birds, Gardman's Premium Flip Top Feeder For Wild Birds Jumbo

Christening Birds $1.31 This sweet Christening invitation features two birds holding the word 'Christening' at the top. A photo of your choice can be added to the left side of the invitation. Coordinating enclosure cards and envelope seals are available.When customizing, please upload a photo at least 3.25" x 5.25" at 300 DPI or larger. For more information on submitting photos, please visit the Photo Help Center

For The Birds $19.99 For The Birds - Poster

Angry Birds Bop Bag $11.99 Awesome Angry Birds bog bag! Rep your favorite smart phone app! Have some flying fist fighting fun with the Angry Birds bop bag! It's an awesome bop bag from the Angry Birds ! You can now express your fandom for the ever-popular smart phone apps and cartoons and punch at the Dumb Green Pigs! With it's excellent weighted base and inflatable top, you can bop and attack the Angry Birds villains as much as you could ever possibly want, how awesome! This excellent Angry Birds bop bag looks great!

Springtime Birds Sequin Top $16.99 Features a flattering scoop neck, 3/4-long sleeves, and a silvery touch of sparkling sequins on a blue batik background.Cotton; imported. Hand wash. Approximately 26"L.

Used Epiphone Les Paul Birds Eye Maple Top Nc $379.99 In Store Used USED EPIPHONE LES PAUL BIRDS EYE MAPLE TOP NC

Used Prs Mccarty Blue Matteo 10 Top Birds Nc $1999.99 In Store Used USED PRS MCCARTY BLUE MATTEO 10 TOP BIRDS NC

Used Prs Custom 22 10 Top Birds Santana Wc $1899.99 In Store Used USED PRS CUSTOM 22 10 TOP BIRDS SANTANA WC

Used Prs 2003 Singlecut Trem Emer Grn Birds 10 Top $1699.99 In Store Used USED PRS 2003 SINGLECUT TREM EMER GRN BIRDS 10 TOP

Used Prs Cst24 10 Top Blue Matteo Birds Wc $1899.99 In Store Used USED PRS CST24 10 TOP BLUE MATTEO BIRDS WC

Prs Special 10 Top W/ Birds Tri Color Sunburst $3116.99 In Store Platinum PRS Special 10 Top w/ Birds Tri Color Sunburst

Used Prs Custom 24 10 Top Birds Chy Wc $2299.99 In Store Used USED PRS CUSTOM 24 10 TOP BIRDS CHY WC

Top 10 Birds for Kids $23.33 No Synopsis Available

An Italian Baroque Style Scagliola Table Top Decorated with Foliage and Birds $39.99 An Italian Baroque Style Scagliola Table Top Decorated with Foliage and Birds - Giclee Print

Backyard Birds of Washington: How to Identify and Attract the Top 25 Birds $11.03 BACKYARD BIRDS How to Identify and Attract the Top 25 Birds BACKYARD BIRDS IS AN EXCITING SERIES of books that explores the top twenty-five backyard birds most commonly found in each state. It includes a profiled size scale that allows the reader to quickly identify the correct bird, and each bird entry is accompanied by a stunning color photograph and specific description, including identification marks, behavior, habitat, and nesting style-even the song the bird makes As an added feature, author Bill Fenimore also provides expert tips for building the ultimate backyard bird sanctuary, from creating birdbaths and planting proper foliage to offering a bird's favorite foods. Fenimore was awarded the Ludlow Griscom Award, the American Birding Association's highest honor. Bird-watching is one of the most popular activities in the United States, with approximately fifty-one million bird-watchers nationwide. Bird-watching is a $6 million business. More than $400 million is spent each year on bird-related magazines and books. The series will soon include all fifty states. Author is a franchisee of Wild Bird Center, which has more than eighty locations in twenty-nine states. Online marketing and promotions. Print and web advertising campaign. National broadcast and print publicity. Co-op available. Bill Fenimore is owner of the National Best Environmental Stewardship Award-winning Wild Bird Center franchise in Layton, Utah. He conducts seminars and workshops that educate the public about birds and their critical habitat needs, and he leads birding field trips for clients from around the globe.

Backyard Birds of Georgia: How to Identify and Attract the Top 25 Birds $11.63 BACKYARD BIRDS How to Identify and Attract the Top 25 Birds BACKYARD BIRDS IS AN EXCITING SERIES of books that explores the top twenty-five backyard birds most commonly found in each state. It includes a profiled size scale that allows the reader to quickly identify the correct bird, and each bird entry is accompanied by a stunning color photograph and specific description, including identification marks, behavior, habitat, and nesting style-even the song the bird makes As an added feature, author Bill Fenimore also provides expert tips for building the ultimate backyard bird sanctuary, from creating birdbaths and planting proper foliage to offering a bird's favorite foods. Fenimore was awarded the Ludlow Griscom Award, the American Birding Association's highest honor. Bird-watching is one of the most popular activities in the United States, with approximately fifty-one million bird-watchers nationwide. Bird-watching is a $6 million business. More than $400 million is spent each year on bird-related magazines and books. The series will soon include all fifty states. Author is a franchisee of Wild Bird Center, which has more than eighty locations in twenty-nine states. Online marketing and promotions. Print and web advertising campaign. National broadcast and print publicity. Co-op available. Bill Fenimore is owner of the National Best Environmental Stewardship Award-winning Wild Bird Center franchise in Layton, Utah. He conducts seminars and workshops that educate the public about birds and their critical habitat needs, and he leads birding field trips for clients from around the globe.

Backyard Birds of New Jersey: How to Identify and Attract the Top 25 Birds $9.26 BACKYARD BIRDS How to Identify and Attract the Top 25 Birds BACKYARD BIRDS IS AN EXCITING SERIES of books that explores the top twenty-five backyard birds most commonly found in each state. It includes a profiled size scale that allows the reader to quickly identify the correct bird, and each bird entry is accompanied by a stunning color photograph and specific description, including identification marks, behavior, habitat, and nesting style-even the song the bird makes As an added feature, author Bill Fenimore also provides expert tips for building the ultimate backyard bird sanctuary, from creating birdbaths and planting proper foliage to offering a bird's favorite foods. Fenimore was awarded the Ludlow Griscom Award, the American Birding Association's highest honor. Bird-watching is one of the most popular activities in the United States, with approximately fifty-one million bird-watchers nationwide. Bird-watching is a $6 million business. More than $400 million is spent each year on bird-related magazines and books. The series will soon include all fifty states. Author is a franchisee of Wild Bird Center, which has more than eighty locations in twenty-nine states. Online marketing and promotions. Print and web advertising campaign. National broadcast and print publicity. Co-op available. Bill Fenimore is owner of the National Best Environmental Stewardship Award-winning Wild Bird Center franchise in Layton, Utah. He conducts seminars and workshops that educate the public about birds and their critical habitat needs, and he leads birding field trips for clients from around the globe.