What Is The Role Of Falconry In Managing Bird Populations Around Airports?

With air travel being such a crucial part of modern life, ensuring flight safety is paramount - and one of the biggest threats to aircraft safety is bird strikes. So what exactly is the role of falconry in managing bird populations around airports?

Trained falcons and their handlers are employed at airports worldwide to chase away problematic birds like gulls and pigeons from runways and flight paths, reducing the risk of bird strikes naturally without harming the birds.

While this answer might seem straightforward, there's actually much more to understand about how this ancient art has become a cutting-edge wildlife management solution at modern airports. Learning about the specific techniques, success rates, and why falconry is often more effective than other bird control methods can help us better appreciate this fascinating intersection of traditional practices and aviation safety.

How Does Airport Falconry Actually Work?

Airport falconers work regular patrol shifts, typically during dawn and dusk when bird activity is highest. The falconer releases their trained raptor to fly around specific areas of the airfield, naturally triggering the flight response in other birds. This biological response is far more effective than mechanical deterrents because wild birds recognize the falcon as a genuine predator.

The falcons aren't actually meant to catch any birds - their presence alone is enough to make the area feel unsafe for unwanted bird species. Over time, this consistent predator presence conditions local bird populations to avoid the airport altogether, creating a longer-lasting deterrent effect.

Why Is Falconry More Effective Than Other Bird Control Methods?

Unlike static deterrents like noise makers or plastic predator decoys, birds can't get habituated to real falcons. While birds eventually learn to ignore artificial deterrents, they never stop responding to the presence of an actual predator. This makes falconry one of the most sustainable long-term solutions for airport bird control.

Additionally, falconry is environmentally friendly and humane, as it doesn't harm the unwanted birds but simply encourages them to relocate. This aligns with modern wildlife management principles and helps airports maintain good environmental stewardship.

What Are The Success Rates Of Airport Falconry Programs?

Airports implementing falconry programs have reported significant reductions in bird strikes, with some facilities seeing decreases of up to 70% in bird-related incidents. For example, New York's JFK Airport saw bird strikes drop from 300 per year to fewer than 100 after introducing their falconry program.

The cost-effectiveness is also noteworthy, as preventing even a single serious bird strike can save millions in damages and potential liability. While maintaining a falconry program requires investment in trained staff and birds, the return on investment through reduced incidents and improved safety makes it a worthwhile solution for many major airports.

What Types Of Birds Are Used In Airport Falconry Programs?

While falcons are the namesake of the practice, several types of raptors are actually used in airport bird control. Peregrine falcons are popular choices due to their impressive speed and agility, but Harris's hawks are often preferred for their cooperative nature and ability to work well in teams. Gyrfalcons and hybrid falcons are also commonly used, especially in locations with larger pest birds.

Each species brings unique advantages to the program. For example, peregrine falcons are particularly effective against high-flying birds, while Harris's hawks excel at flushing out birds hiding in buildings or vegetation. Understanding how HPAI is spread among wild bird populations can help falconers target their efforts more effectively. Many airports maintain a diverse team of raptors to address different scenarios and target species.

What Training Is Required To Become An Airport Falconer?

Becoming an airport falconer requires a unique combination of skills and certifications. Practitioners must first obtain their falconry license, which typically involves a multi-year apprenticeship program and passing both written and practical examinations. They also need specific training in airport operations and safety protocols, as working in an active airfield environment requires strict adherence to aviation regulations.

Beyond the formal requirements, airport falconers must develop extensive knowledge of local bird species, migration patterns, and behavior. They need to understand weather patterns and how they affect both bird activity and falconry operations. This specialized knowledge, combined with traditional falconry skills, makes airport falconry a highly specialized profession that requires significant dedication and expertise.

The role also demands excellent physical fitness and the ability to work in all weather conditions, often during early morning or late evening hours. Regular continuing education is typically required to stay current with both falconry techniques and aviation industry standards.

Conclusion

If you're interested in seeing airport falconry in action, many major airports offer behind-the-scenes tours that include demonstrations of their wildlife management programs. Consider reaching out to your local airport's public relations department to inquire about these educational opportunities, as witnessing this fascinating intersection of ancient art and modern aviation safety firsthand can give you an even deeper appreciation for how airports keep our skies safe.