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Bowers Field Wildlife Hazard Management Plan <br />7.2.3 Songbirds <br />Songbirds were consistently seen during the WHE. This guild forages on seeds, fruits, <br />and small insects/worms, often associated with all habitats. Short, sparse grass areas <br />offer limited attraction, as there tends to be fewer seeds, fruits, and insects present. <br />Habitat management is the critical method for managing these guilds. Harassment and <br />lethal reinforcement rarely offer a benefit. Members of this guild are frequently struck, <br />but infrequently cause damage. This guild is not a substantial risk to aviation safety. <br />7.2.4 Waterfowl <br />Waterfowl were the 2nd most frequently observed and 2nd most abundant guild during the <br />WHE. The singular most attractive habitat for them was pond V, which also attracted <br />>20,000 starlings in August 2622. As discussed above, ELN shall endeavor to remove or <br />minimize this pond (Pond V), pending final environmental review. <br />Most members of this guild are hunted several months a year and learn to avoid <br />dangerous areas. Therefore, pyrotechnics, shotgun fire, and lethal reinforcement are <br />effective methods for deterring this guild from the area. <br />7.2.5 Mammals <br />No coyotes or deer were observed inside the AOA fence during the WHE, but both were <br />observed on airport property. Deer are unlikely to access the airfield, but coyotes can. <br />ELN will monitor coyote and deer presence and harass them from the airport upon <br />detection. Coyotes, though not often seen, are the primary mammal of concern. <br />Maintaining the AOA fence should protect the airfield from most coyote hazards. If <br />coyotes persist, ELN may contact USDA WS or others to aid in lethal removal. If <br />mammal hazards significantly increase, ELN may seek to add a buried apron to their <br />fence. <br />An effective and efficient way to remove coyotes is by shooting at night. Foothold traps <br />are also very effective and require minimal staff time to set and monitor. These devices <br />can be highly selective and work the entire time they are set. State law requires that <br />airports obtain a body -gripping trap permit from WDFW and that traps must be checked <br />at least every 24 hours. If trapping is needed, ELN will follow all state laws. Only safe, <br />effective, humane, practical, and legal methods will be used. No mammals will be shot <br />without 100% positive species identification. <br />7-3 <br />31 December 2024 <br />