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Bowers Field Wildlife Hazard Management Plan <br />No federally threatened, endangered, or candidate species are known to use ELN, so birds <br />can be harassed and general terms (e.g., gull, hawk, duck) can be used to identify those <br />birds. However, personnel will attempt to determine the specific species of bird <br />whenever possible (wildlife dispersal, carcass reporting, strike reporting, etc.). <br />All control actions will be recorded on the airport wildlife observation, control, and strike <br />log and then submitted to the Wildlife Coordinator for addition into the electronic <br />wildlife observation, control, and strike database. <br />7.2.1 Blackbirds (including starlings) and Corvids <br />These guilds are generally attracted to large open fields, grain fields, stands of dense trees <br />(thermal protection), roosting areas (i.e., the cattails around pond V in the north pasture), <br />and unsecured garbage. Taller vegetation can offer feeding and hiding opportunities for <br />these birds. <br />ELN will work towards eliminating the pond V in the north pasture or at least minimizing <br />the amount of water/vegetation in/around it. <br />Loose garbage around an airfield is a significant FOD issue. In addition, it can attract <br />these species. ELN will be diligent to ensure that trash can lids are secure and persistent <br />garbage problems are corrected. <br />ELN may harass these birds with vehicles, lights, sirens, and pyrotechnics and apply <br />lethal reinforcement when necessary. <br />7.2.2 Raptors <br />Eight raptor species were observed during the WHE. They were the most frequently <br />observed guild during the WHE, but 5th most abundant (these are often solitary or paired <br />up rather than in large flocks). <br />Mice and voles are the usual attractant for most raptors. Keeping the vegetation as short <br />and sparse as possible is the best proactive method to reducing the abundance of prey. <br />Treating with insecticides and rodenticides is also effective in controlling prey numbers. <br />ELN will monitor for notable increases in prey abundance. <br />There will always be raptors attracted to ELN. Harassment using vehicles, lights, sirens, <br />and pyrotechnics will be used as warranted. Trapping/translocation and lethal removal <br />may be employed if unusually persistent and hazardous raptors use the airfield (after <br />obtaining the proper migratory bird depredation permit). <br />7-2 <br />31 December 2024 <br />