Experimental radar-activated hazing system

Abstract

Migrating birds often use mine tailing facilities during migration, especially in arid areas throughout the west. Process chemicals in tailing facilities can adversely affect birds that use the facility as a resting and feeding location. Traditional audio hazing techniques have been ineffective because birds become habituated to the devices’ continuous and regular sound production. This project involved development and testing of a radar-activated bird deterrent system to haze birds away from tailing facilities. The system was tested at a mine tailing facility in northeastern Nevada. It was designed to provide radar coverage over a tailings facility and to automatically activate several audio hazing devices when a bird entered a specified zone. The theory behind such a system is that hazing is much more effective while birds are still in flight. Audio hazing devices activated included a stereo system, fire alarm, propane cannons, and a device designed and built by Knight Piesold to launch firecracker-like cartridges. Data were collected during the fall of 1990 and spring of 1991. The data collected shows that the system has promise as a method to haze migratory birds away from the tailings facility.