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Location
Corpus Christi, TX
Start Date
9-4-2007 12:00 AM
Description
The presence of birds at retention/detention basins on or adjacent to an airport increases the probability of experiencing a wildlife strike. Overhead gridline systems have proven effective for reducing the presence of birds on small water bodies. While there are several line materials available to address bird hazards associated with small basins, the list of options decreases quickly as the distance to be spanned increases. The Michigan Wildlife Services program (WS) tested 4 types of line material on 3 large detention basins to determine which materials could span up to 675 m (2214.5 ft) without center supports. Additionally, the line material could not sag substantially because of water fluctuations of up to 1.5 m (5 ft). If a line would contact the surface of the water, the surface tension would hold it in place reducing the effectiveness and causing potential damage to the grid, especially during freezing and thawing periods. We found that a braided fishing line made of Spectra® fiber called PowerPro proved superior in our tests. We suspended grid lines in perpendicular directions on 30 m (100ft) spacing. Preliminary results show a notable reduction in usage by Canada geese (Branta canadensis), mallards (Anas platyrhynchos), mute swans (Cygnus olor), herring gulls (Larusargentatus) and ring-billed gulls (Larus delawarensis).
Recommended Citation
Duffiney, A. G. Jr., Guikema, A. T., Wagoner, B. C., & Hamilton, J. D., (2007). Overhead gridline systems to exclude waterfowl from large bodies of water. In Nolte, D.L., Arjo, W.M., & Stalman, D. (Eds.), The Twelfth Wildlife Damage Management Conference (510-514). Corpus Christi, TX: National Wildlife Research Center.
Included in
Overhead Gridline Systems to Exclude Waterfowl From Large Bodies of Water
Corpus Christi, TX
The presence of birds at retention/detention basins on or adjacent to an airport increases the probability of experiencing a wildlife strike. Overhead gridline systems have proven effective for reducing the presence of birds on small water bodies. While there are several line materials available to address bird hazards associated with small basins, the list of options decreases quickly as the distance to be spanned increases. The Michigan Wildlife Services program (WS) tested 4 types of line material on 3 large detention basins to determine which materials could span up to 675 m (2214.5 ft) without center supports. Additionally, the line material could not sag substantially because of water fluctuations of up to 1.5 m (5 ft). If a line would contact the surface of the water, the surface tension would hold it in place reducing the effectiveness and causing potential damage to the grid, especially during freezing and thawing periods. We found that a braided fishing line made of Spectra® fiber called PowerPro proved superior in our tests. We suspended grid lines in perpendicular directions on 30 m (100ft) spacing. Preliminary results show a notable reduction in usage by Canada geese (Branta canadensis), mallards (Anas platyrhynchos), mute swans (Cygnus olor), herring gulls (Larusargentatus) and ring-billed gulls (Larus delawarensis).