Using Nighttime Falconry for Roosting Blackbird Abatement at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport

Authors

Cathy Boyles, Dallas Fort Worth International Airport

Date of this Version

9-2011

Document Type

Article

Citation

Presented at 2011 Bird Strike North America Conference, September 12-15, 2011, Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada.

Comments

Copyright 2011 Cathy Boyles

Abstract

DFW Airport Overview

DFW Airport is located in Texas along a major path of the Central Flyway- one of four North American migratory bird routes.

Migratory species in addition to year round residents pose a challenge for the airport.

18,000+ acres

Fifty five percent of land area is developed.

Operations numbers typically exceed 600,000 flights annually.

Birds, migratory and resident, pose the biggest wildlife challenge

Contributing attractants to bird activity are human activity and development:

• Construction
• Mowing operations
• Leaseholders
• Employees
• Surrounding development

DFW Airport Design

Original design and landscape scheme contributes to bird challenges

• Live Oaks central to original landscape theme in Developed Areas, including Terminals A, B, C, and E
• Live Oaks green year round