Beginning in the fall of 1996, at Scott Air Force Base in Illinois, the World Bird Sanctuary was the first organization to work with the U.S. Air Force to incorporate birds of prey as part of an integrated program aimed at reducing in-air bird/aircraft strikes. Following the success of this inaugural program, WBS has since worked continuously with McGuire Air Force Base in New Jersey and Travis Air Force Base in California to achieve the same results.

With over 200 birds of prey in its care, comprised of forty different species from around the world, along with a specialized knowledge of bird behaviors and training techniques, WBS is in the unique position of being able to determine which species is most effective for airfield/bird control in a variety of situations including climate, seasonal changes and invading bird species.

Led by WBS' Assistant Director Mike Cooke, the B.A.S.H. team of trained bird handlers uses a variety of birds, mostly falcons of varying species, to rid airfields of potential bird hazards with an environmentally friendly and proactive system.

Why are trained birds of prey effective when used as part of an integrated aircraft/bird strike reduction program?

• When birds such as European Starlings, crows, blackbirds, gulls, etc. feel threatened by a flying falcon, their instinct is to flee the area. Being chased by a falcon reinforces this behavior.
• The time taken to clear an airfield of invading birds is greatly reduced. On occasion bird harassment by artificial means (shotgun sounds, pyrotechnics, distress calls, etc.) may involve following the flock round the airfield as they first fly out of range and then land again within the airfield.
• When falcons are flying high, they command a large area, including areas beyond the airfield boundary, which are not normally accessible to other bird control measures. The falcon is visible to other birds from a long distance, which provides a deterrent to invading birds that may potentially have flown over the airfield.

Airfield safety is a prime consideration and all of WBS' personnel are fully trained in Airfield Safety procedures. All operations are coordinated through airfield management and tower personnel and are carried out under the appropriate Federal and State permits.

What are the benefits of WBS' B.A.S.H.?

1. REDUCTION in the number of bird strikes around the airfield.
2. REDUCTION in the number of mission delays due to heavy bird activity.
3. REDUCTION in the amount of time Airfield Management personnel spent chasing birds.
4. REDUCTION in overall cost of airfield operations.

In the month of December 2002, McGuire Air Force Base acknowledged WBS' Bird Aircraft Strike Hazard Control Program for a 95% reduction in damaging bird strikes at their Air Force Base.

If you'd like more information on WBS' B.A.S.H. program please contact:
Mike Cooke, Assistant Director
636-861-3225
References available on request.