An Avian/Airport Study for Standiford Airport, Louisville, Kentucky: Results and Management Implications

An avian/airport study was conducted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Animal Damage Control (ADC) from 9 February 1989-18 March 1990 to evaluate near-term bird control needs at Standiford Field Airport (SDF), Louisville, Kentucky. Field surveys were performed on SDF and the Outer Loop Landfill (OLL) to gather data on both daily and seasonal trends in bird activity and effectiveness of management efforts employed by the OLL operator to control bird activity. Data for high-interest species groups were sorted according to site, time of day, weather, and month. Raptors were present at the airport and landfill throughout the year. Mourning dove (Zenaida macroura) numbers peaked at the airport and landfill during the summer months. American crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos) numbers peaked at both sites during winter. Spring, summer, and fall crow numbers were consistently low. Blackbird (Icteridae) numbers varied during the year, with larger numbers present at both sites during fall and winter. Data on bird occurrence at the airport and landfill relative to time of day showed few if any obvious trends. This study resulted in recommendations relative to expanding SDF. Of special concern was the OLL, the major landfill for a 6-county area, which is located approximately 1.6 km south of the current airport. It was concluded by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), based on the ADC study, that the hazard potential for aviation activities at SDF can be adequately minimized (low levels of bird activity can be effectively achieved by recognized control techniques). To ensure that the compatibility of the airport and the nearby landfill will be maintained, a Wildlife Management Task Force was formed and a Strategic Plan for Wildlife Hazard Management for Standiford Airport was implemented