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Commission urges pilots to report deer and bird sightings after several incursions
Summary
Staff asked pilots and the flight school to report exact times and locations of deer and bird sightings so airport crews can respond; the airport uses handheld noise guns but said geese have become habituated to deterrents.
Airport staff told the commission they have observed increased bird and deer activity on and near airport surfaces and asked pilots, tenants and the flight school to report sightings with time and location details so staff can respond.
Janelle (staff member) said crews perform monthly drive-by inspections and that when wildlife are reported staff can deploy deterrents such as sound guns. "If they're spotted, I need to know what time they're spotted, where they're located so I can address it," she said. She noted that geese and other birds can become habituated to deterrents and that the nearby bay and wetlands provide ideal habitat.
Commissioners said pilots and the flight school see the field most often and asked them to report sightings immediately by text or email. One commissioner said he had hit birds in the past and staff noted that feather samples can help identify species and guide mitigation.
Why it matters: wildlife on or near runways can create safety risk during takeoff and landing. Staff said they have sound guns and conduct routine patrols but need timely reports to act effectively.
Next steps: staff asked pilots and tenants to report sightings with precise time and location; staff will continue monitoring and deploy deterrents when confirmed sightings are reported.
