Evaluation of a radar-activated, demand-performance bird hazing system
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Published source details
Stevens R.G., Rogue J., Weber R. & Clark L. (2000) Evaluation of a radar-activated, demand-performance bird hazing system. International Biodeterioration and Biodegradation, 129-137.
Published source details Stevens R.G., Rogue J., Weber R. & Clark L. (2000) Evaluation of a radar-activated, demand-performance bird hazing system. International Biodeterioration and Biodegradation, 129-137.
Actions
This study is summarised as evidence for the following.
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Use visual and acoustic ‘scarers’ to deter birds from landing on pools polluted by mining or sewage Action Link |
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Use visual and acoustic ‘scarers’ to deter birds from landing on pools polluted by mining or sewage
A controlled trial at the Jim Bridger Power Plant, Wyoming, USA, in 1996-7 (Stevens et al. 2000) found that waterfowl were 12.5 times less likely to fly over and 4.2 times less likely to land on two ponds (36.5 and 80.8 ha) when a radar-activated deterrent system was used, compared to an adjacent freshwater pond (93.2 ha) with no deterrent; non-waterfowl were seven times less likely to land. Bird rescues per year decreased by more than 400 (>70% fewer rescues) in the first year of full operation. Between 685 and 714 rescues occurred in preceding years, 859 in the transition year, and 210 in the first year of full operation (mortality reduced by more than 77% relative to previous years). When flying birds were detected, the system broadcast alarm and distress calls of a variety of animals, let off ‘screamer’ cartridges, and finally a bird aerosol tear gas was triggered (only used if birds were still detected after initial deterrents were activated).
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