Birds and Aircraft: A Problem at Auckland’s New International Airport

Abstract

Summary:—The bird hazard to aircraft at Auckland International Airport, Mangere, NZ (Lat 37° 00’ 30” S, Long 174° 47’ 30” E) is examined. Geographical features affecting the hazard are explained and the history of the hazard recounted, and the groups and component species of birds, their daily movement patterns and seasonal abundances discussed. The greatest potential danger is from the waders, but gulls are the greatest actual danger possibly because gulls live irregular, opportunistic lives in comparison with the strict, tide-governed existence of the waders. An analysis of the bird incident figures for a year tends to confirm this view, in spite of the comparative rarity of incidents.Measures taken or projected against the birds are reviewed. Special reference is made to unorthodox methods—the provision of alternative high water roosting sites, experiments with a radio-controlled model simulating the hawk shape, and the use of gull corpses as scaring agents. While worthwhile reductions have been made to the hazard, continued work and constant vigilance is necessary.