Every couple of years, we get the opportunity to fly stateside, and this year brought us to Minneapolis to attend the Aviation Wildlife Management Conference. The theme was What is Due Diligence? It encouraged us to consider what due diligence truly means, not just in theory, but in practice.
The event proved to be a great platform for us to exchange ideas and knowledge with fellow professionals in aviation and wildlife management. The insights we gained have enhanced our understanding of best practices for managing wildlife hazards in aerodrome settings, making this experience truly impactful.
Upon arrival in Minneapolis, we were greeted with perfect summer weather, ready to embark on three days filled with workshops, presentations, and networking opportunities.
Highlights included:
A fascinating keynote on the scale of aerial wildlife movements detected by weather radar systems, revealing insights on bird density, speed, and flight direction.
Presentations on non-lethal chemical repellents’ effects on airport bird populations, and a session analyzing the lasting impact of the famous Hudson River incident on wildlife strike reporting.
A standout session by Laurence M. Schafer, titled "Putting It All Together." focusing on how due diligence in wildlife management is about more than just strike prevention. It’s about setting clear, precise objectives and measuring success accordingly.
A true highlight of the conference was the field trip to Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport, where we observed the equipment and tools used in wildlife management on the airside. This included demonstrations of pyrotechnics, firearms, taxidermized coyotes, and an amphibious drone designed for dispersing geese. These hands-on experiences deepened our understanding of real-world applications in wildlife hazard management.
We also learned about Hercules, a 7-year-old Border Collie who serves as both a wildlife hazing specialist and a comfort animal for nervous passengers at West Virginia International Yeager Airport. Trained to chase away birds and other wildlife, Hercules plays a vital role in maintaining safety on the runway. But beyond his practical duties, he also offers comfort to anxious travelers, using his gentle demeanor to calm nerves and bring smiles to people in the terminal.
Although we didn’t get to meet Hercules in person, his handler, Chris Keyser, was incredibly generous in sharing heartwarming stories about the many ways Hercules helps both the airport staff and passengers. Hearing about Hercules' work was a highlight, and we couldn’t resist taking a group photo with Chris as a way to capture the moment.
The conference also provided ample opportunity for networking, and we were thrilled to reconnect with long-time partners. Catching up with Willem-Jan Derks and Javier Ortiz Vargas from Robin Radar was a delightful experience. The evening was made even more memorable by a sunset over the Minneapolis skyline, adding the perfect backdrop to an engaging discussion of ideas and experiences.
Our meeting with Accipiter Radar’s Mark Vilardo and Sara Handrigan was equally valuable. We were particularly impressed by Sara’s presentation on using integrated surveillance technology to improve wildlife strike reporting, response, and mitigation. The discussions were both enlightening and inspiring, and we also had the pleasure of meeting Melanie Perry from MOOG.
A fun and competitive element of the conference was the Bird Strike Quiz Bowl, in which our team participated—and won! It was a rewarding experience that added a touch of excitement to an otherwise highly educational event. Did you know a young crane is called a colt?
The Aviation Wildlife Management Conference was impeccably organized, offering a wealth of insights and opportunities to learn from fellow airport biologists, airside wildlife officers, and vendors. The chance to meet face-to-face with individuals we had previously only connected with remotely was invaluable. We returned home energized by the knowledge and experiences gained and are eager to integrate these insights into our daily operations. As we implement the latest best practices and technologies, we are already looking forward to the next conference and the opportunity to further enhance our expertise in wildlife management.
Following the conference, we traveled to Louisiana for a fishing excursion in the Gulf of Mexico. This adventure allowed us to encounter a variety of notable species, including tarpon, red drum, crevalle jack, little tunny, and blacktip shark. We also had the opportunity to explore the region’s diverse habitats, including marshes, bays, and barrier islands, while observing local wildlife such as the great egret, roseate spoonbill, magnificent frigatebird, and brown pelican. It was a perfect end to an incredibly rewarding trip.
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