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How Goose Control Is Crucial for Airport Safety in the GTA

While Canada geese are usually considered more of a nuisance, around airports a flock of geese can have catastrophic consequences. The one place you never want to encounter birds is around an aircraft. Bird Control around airports poses specific challenges and requires expertise beyond the norm. 

According to Transport Canada, the majority of bird strike incidents occur within the airport environment during the takeoff, climb, final approach, and landing phases of flight. Collisions with birds are a severe threat to the safety of the aviation industry. Human lives may be lost due to collisions and there is a constant threat of a major crash as a result of bird strikes. In addition, bird strikes cost airline companies as well as the military millions of dollars each year.

Canada Geese are a particularly large threat around GTA airports because of their size (no pun intended). A collision with such a large bird causes severe engine damage, broken windshields (or windscreens), and more.

Controlling and managing geese at airports is incredibly important to preserve human life and avoid damages and delays.

The Role of Nearby Structures in Attracting Geese to Airports

Green Spaces

Airports all over the world have plenty of grassy areas next to runways and taxiways. The grass is usually kept cut short - absolutely perfect for Canada geese.

Food Availability and The Landfill Connection

Besides the usual presence of human food leftovers on the ground or in unsecured trash cans, there is also the attraction of landfills which are often located near airports. Landfills attract geese and other pest birds as well as other wildlife.

Water Sources

Ontario's proximity to Lake Ontario as well as countless rivers, creeks and man-made bodies of water, are a haven for birds and other wildlife. Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport is surrounded by water and park space and a large number of resident geese. Hotels and golf courses around Pearson International Airport also attract a fair number of Canada geese.

Why Does This Matter to Airports?

Geese frequently travel between feeding and nesting areas, crossing flight paths and increasing the risk of bird strikes. Airport authorities should work with local businesses and municipalities to implement geese deterrent strategies beyond airport property.

Why Geese Are Particularly Dangerous Near GTA Airports

  • Size and Weight
    Canada Geese can have a wing span of almost 70inches and weigh up to 14lbs. A mid air collision with even just one bird of this size often has dire consequences. 

  • Number of Geese
    Because Geese live and travel in flocks - often very large flocks - there is a high risk of bird strikes involving more than one bird.

  • Flight Paths and Altitude
    Canada Geese generally fly low enough to intersect with departing or arriving aircraft. There is little recourse for airline pilots, short of a rejected take-off or go-around procedure on approach. 

  • Attractive Habitats
    As mentioned earlier, expansive grassy areas and proximity to water often attracts Canada Geese to Toronto's airports.

  • Seasonal Migration
    Another layer of complexity is added during the fall and spring migration. Hundreds of Canada geese set out and travel together, increasing the likelihood of a mid-air disaster.

Effective Geese Control Strategies for Airports

Because of airports being such busy and highly sensitive environments, all goose control solutions require precise planning and execution. Airport managers may forbid one or require another. Here are some of the geese removal techniques used around airports:

  • Birds of Prey (Falconry)
    Falconry using birds of prey (eagles) is highly effective, both near airfields and in enclosed environments such as hangars. Making use of the natural predator/prey relationship, falconry offers a completely non-lethal and environmentally friendly solution to geese around airports.

  • Hazing with Dogs 
    Trained dogs chase geese without harming them. Especially in conjunction or as a follow-up method to falconry, dogs can have a great impact conveying an unstable and unsafe environment for geese. Having dogs regularly patrol the grounds is also a good idea.

  • Pyrotechnics
    The use of pyrotechnics requires expert aim and timing; shots need to be fired during a 30-60 second window between take-offs and landings. Some airports actually require a bird control company to make available 10,000 rounds or more in their effort to displace geese.  Pyrotechnics are discharged from 40mm or 12 gauge shot guns in front of geese, so they can see a projectile coming at them. To be clear, the shots are not fired at the birds directly, but at the ground in front of them.

  • Lasers
    Operating a laser at an airport is a delicate undertaking. It requires a highly skilled laser operator who is familiar with necessary limitations around aviation, and the permission of airport authorities.

  • Remote Control Vehicles (ROVs)
    Remote control boats are used in larger bodies of water where dogs are ineffective.

  • Habitat Modification
    Most modifications will be made to ponds and other water features. Methods from pond netting or pond wiring to planting shrubs or erecting low fences are designed to deter or prohibit geese from landing on water and seek refuge from predators.

  • Drones
    Geese can also be chased with drones - this happens on water, not on land. Again, geese seek bodies of water to escape from danger. Making surrounding lakes or ponds not safe, will drive the birds away.

  • Nest Removal and Relocation
    If any nests are spotted on airport property, they, of course, need to be removed immediately. If geese are still plaguing daily operations by mid June - July, geese can be rounded up during the time they are rendered flightless (molting) and relocated.

Read more: How Goose Control Is Crucial for Airport Safety in the GTA

 

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