The Ultima Solution

This article discusses electronic systems developed to combat the dangers of bird strikes at airports. Electronic systems using bio-acoustic distress calls are being implemented at locations like the Cambridge Airport (CBG), replacing birds of prey as the primary bird deterrents. The author stresses the unreliability of older systems like birds of prey or audio tape-based acoustic systems, as well as greater regulations for the bird dispersal sector than new technologies are taking into account. New devices mounted inside cars collect data on species and numbers of birds encountered, which can later be compiled on office computers. The article notes the technology’s ability to help the operator identify various bird species and thus allow them to emit the appropriate audio deterrent, a system showing higher success rates and shorter implementation time.