Seasonal Shifts, Safer Skies: Adapting Wildlife Control at Airports

From migrating geese to post-breeding flocks, wildlife risks at airports change with the seasons. Discover how aerodromes worldwide use smart, adaptive strategies to stay ahead of nature’s curve-and keep every takeoff and landing safer, year-round.

FUNDAMENTALS OF WILDLIFE HAZARD MANAGEMENT

Waleed MAHROUS

5/7/20255 min read

Wildlife hazard management at aerodromes requires a dynamic approach that accounts for seasonal fluctuations in animal behavior and habitat use. By understanding these patterns, aerodrome operators can refine their strategies to mitigate risks effectively. This blog explores how seasonal variations influence wildlife presence and outlines adaptive control measures that align with international guidelines, such as ICAO Doc 9137 and regional frameworks.

Understanding Seasonal Patterns in Wildlife Activity

Breeding Seasons and Fledgling Activity

Bird strikes peak during late August in the northern hemisphere and early April in the southern hemisphere, coinciding with the end of breeding seasons when fledglings join flocks2. Juvenile birds, inexperienced in avoiding aircraft, contribute significantly to strike risks during these periods. For example, in temperate regions, species like starlings and lapwings form large flocks in autumn, increasing collision risks1. In tropical climates, breeding cycles may occur year-round, necessitating continuous monitoring3.

Migration Cycles

Migratory species, such as waterfowl and raptors, pose seasonal threats. In the northern hemisphere, autumn migrations concentrate birds along flyways that often intersect with aerodromes2. Conversely, tropical regions near the equator experience less pronounced migration but face stable populations of resident species attracted to airport habitats3.

Climate-Driven Variations

Temperate aerodromes face distinct seasonal challenges, such as wintering waterfowl congregating near unfrozen water sources, while tropical airports contend with wet and dry seasons influencing insect populations and bird foraging3. For instance, monsoon rains in tropical climates create temporary wetlands, attracting wading birds8.

High-Risk Species and Seasonal Behaviors

Waterfowl and Wading Birds

Geese, ducks, and herons are particularly hazardous during migration. In Europe, wintering geese populations near aerodromes spike between October and March, requiring targeted dispersal efforts1. Similarly, tropical airports near coastal areas face year-round risks from egrets and herons feeding in grassy areas8.

Flocking Species

Flocking birds like starlings and pigeons exhibit seasonal congregation patterns. During autumn, post-breeding flocks in temperate zones can number in the thousands, creating dense aerial hazards2. In contrast, tropical species such as queleas may form massive flocks during grain harvest seasons, necessitating coordination with local farmers8.

Raptors and Scavengers

Birds of prey, including hawks and kites, are attracted to aerodromes during rodent population booms in spring and summer. In arid regions, scavengers like vultures may increase activity during dry seasons when carrion is scarce7.

Data-Driven Monitoring and Adaptive Strategies

Seasonal Risk Assessments

Aerodromes must conduct quarterly risk assessments to identify species-specific threats. The Oman Civil Aviation Authority recommends categorizing risk based on seasonal occurrences, such as migratory arrivals or breeding peaks8. For example, SFO’s Wildlife Hazard Management Plan prioritizes barn owl and red-tailed hawk relocation during their nesting seasons6.

Habitat Management Adjustments

Grassland Control: Maintaining grass at 15–30 cm reduces insect populations that attract birds. In temperate regions, increased mowing frequency in spring limits nesting, while tropical airports may require year-round management due to rapid vegetation growth4 3.
Water Source Mitigation: Draining temporary pools after rains and covering drainage ditches minimizes attraction to waterfowl7.
Vegetation Diversity: Replacing fruit-bearing plants with less palatable species reduces food sources during fruiting seasons1.

Targeted Deterrence Measures

Acoustic and Visual Tools: Deploying propane cannons during dawn and dusk in migratory seasons disrupts flocking behavior. Lasers effective for nocturnal species like owls require calibrated use to avoid habituation7.
Temporal Flight Adjustments: Aligning flight schedules to avoid peak bird activity periods, such as waterfowl movements at dusk, reduces strike risks7.

Collaboration with External Stakeholders

Agricultural Partnerships: Working with farmers to delay crop harvesting or manage waste near aerodromes prevents attracting granivorous birds during critical periods1.
Conservation Initiatives: Programs like Audubon International’s Raptor Relocation Network demonstrate how relocating hazardous species during breeding seasons balances safety and conservation.

Challenges and Solutions in Seasonal Adaptation

Underreporting and Data Gaps

Seasonal underreporting of strikes, particularly in regions with limited resources, skews risk assessments. Implementing standardized reporting tools, as recommended by ICAO, ensures consistent data collection year-round5 8.

Climate Variability

Unpredictable weather patterns due to climate change disrupt traditional migratory routes. Aerodromes in temperate zones now face tropical species venturing northward, requiring updated risk models3.

Balancing Conservation and Safety

Protecting endangered species like cranes during migration requires tailored strategies, such as creating alternative wetlands away from flight paths1.

Conclusion

Seasonal variations demand a proactive, adaptive approach to wildlife hazard management. By integrating ecological insights with real-time data, aerodromes can implement dynamic strategies that address shifting risks. Continuous collaboration between biologists, air traffic controllers, and local communities ensures these measures remain effective and sustainable. As climate and migration patterns evolve, so too must our strategies to safeguard both aviation and biodiversity.

References

1 CAST Advice Note 3: Wildlife Hazards Around Aerodromes (2024)2 The Conversation: Seasonal Bird Strike Patterns (2024)3 Airport Biologist: Tropical vs. Temperate Climate Management (2024)4 ICAO Guidance on Aerodrome WHMP Development5 CAAS Guidance on Wildlife Hazard Management (2023)6 SFO Wildlife Hazard Management Plan (2022)7 ICAO/FAA Wildlife Hazard Management Strategies8 Oman CAA Guidance for Wildlife Hazard Management (2021)

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Seasonal Shifts, Safer Skies: Adapting Wildlife Control at Airports

Understanding Seasonal Patterns in Wildlife Activity

Breeding Seasons and Fledgling Activity

Migration Cycles

Climate-Driven Variations

High-Risk Species and Seasonal Behaviors

Waterfowl and Wading Birds

Flocking Species

Raptors and Scavengers

Data-Driven Monitoring and Adaptive Strategies

Seasonal Risk Assessments

Habitat Management Adjustments

Targeted Deterrence Measures

Collaboration with External Stakeholders

Challenges and Solutions in Seasonal Adaptation

Underreporting and Data Gaps

Climate Variability

Balancing Conservation and Safety

Conclusion

References

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