Which of the following are examples of active bird control?

• A. Grass height management, managing reforested areas, controlling drainage, fencing
• B. Bird observation and record-keeping
• C. Trained birds only
• D. Pyrotechnics, Bioacoustics, Gas Cannons, Falcons, Dogs, ATV, Depredation

Answer: (D)

Active bird control means using methods that directly disrupt or remove birds in real time to keep them away from critical areas. The methods listed—pyrotechnics, bioacoustics, gas cannons, falcons, dogs, ATVs, and depredation—are all active deterrents or removal actions you can deploy to reduce bird presence during operations. They create immediate pressure on birds to relocate, flush, or be removed from the area, which is essential on an active airfield to prevent strikes and keep runways clear.

In contrast, habitat modifications like grass height management, reforestation, drainage control, and fencing are preventive measures that shape the environment over time and reduce suitability for birds, but they don’t provide the real-time deterrence you need during operations. Bird observation and record-keeping is about monitoring bird activity, not actively reducing it. A program that relies on only one narrow method, like trained birds alone, misses the breadth of tools available for effective, immediate control. The broad set of active techniques in this option exemplifies the concept of actively managing bird activity when it matters most.