Base prepared for birds flying south

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Veronica A. Aceveda
  • 512th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  In the fall and winter seasons, flocks of small birds can usually be seen hovering over the grassy areas and fields on and around the base. 

These large flocks are generally red-winged blackbirds, European starlings and brown-headed cowbirds. 

According to the September edition of Flying Safety magazine, bird strikes have cost the U.S. Air Force $35 million dollars annually since 1985. 

Last year, Dover Air Force Base recorded about 16 bird-strikes or wildlife incidents. These ranged from small sparrows to Canadian geese and even one fox," said Lt. Col. Erik Sant, 512th Airlift Wing chief of safety. 

There are several habitat management techniques in place here which minimize the flocks of birds' presence on the airfield, said Karen Voltura, Bird Aircraft Strike Hazard contractor. 

"The airfield grass is maintained at 7 to 14 inches in height, because the taller grass discourages the flocks from feeding near the runways and taxiways," she said. "The grass is cut before it produces seeds for the birds to eat." 

Another measure Team Dover officials monitor is ensuring grasses and other plants that do not produce large amounts of seed or other food sources are selected for plantings around the base. 

More information about the Bird Aircraft Strike Hazard program including various Air Force bird strike statistics can be found on the Air Force BASH Team's website at http://afsafety.af.mil/SEF/Bash/SEFW_new.shtml.