Dozens of species of wild birds, common and more rare, call the vast expanse of land surrounding the airport their home and regular playground, but those who don't need fuel to fly can cause a very real problem for planes and, ultimately, the passengers on board.
Bird strikes, which in cases can cause damage to planes or result in diversions, are a common occurrence across the world. The majority are said to happen when planes take off or land, or when they are flying at low altitude.
At Manchester Airport alone, there have been 97 reported bird strikes without major incident since March last year, although not all have been confirmed. The figure is a mix of confirmed, witnessed strikes, suspected strikes that couldn't be confirmed and carcasses found that could have been caused by strikes or other animals.
Away from the hustle and bustle of the terminals and car parks, there's a specialist airport team whose vital work goes unseen by the public - and unheard to all but the airport's feathered friends.
It's not a real starling or a real rook, but recordings of the species in distress being played out from speakers attached to the roof of a ranger truck to scare the birds from the runway. The airport is surrounded by woodland and the River Bollin runs underneath part of its second runway. Running adjacent to the far tips of the two runways are large drainage ponds all collectively creating a perfect haven for wildlife.
But there's a meticulous - and expert - bird control mitigation operation in force 24 hours a day to keep the runways clear for planes. Even the vast grass verges between the runways and at their sides is kept no lower than 300mm high, as birds don't like to perch or walk on tall grass.
Alex Britland joined the airport's airfield operations team four years ago and has developed keen eyes and ears.
This story is from the March 08, 2024 edition of Manchester Evening News.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the March 08, 2024 edition of Manchester Evening News.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Ten Hag future remains in doubt as state-of-play meet comes to end
INEOS GATHERING IN LONDON CONCLUDES WITHOUT ANY STATEMENT
'The tribunal found that it was wrong. This is a big deal in competition law'
THE Premier League came unstuck against City in their opening submission of the hearing into Associated Party Transaction Rules.
Godfather of AI wins Nobel Prize for Physics
A BRITISH-CANADIAN computer scientist who has been dubbed the \"godfather of artificial intelligence\" has won this year's Nobel Prize for Physics.
Chancellor urged to quash ‘damaging' pension rumours
FTSE 250 savings and investment platform AJ Bell has joined the growing chorus urging Chancellor Rachel Reeves to back down from a proposed tax hit on UK pensioners, warning that rumours of the government's tax intentions are \"hugely damaging\" and are causing widespread concern long-term savings.
Red paint attack on office block
A PRO-PALESTINE group says it targeted an office block in Manchester city centre housing insurance firm Allianz.
Star 'in pain every day' in his fight with arthritis
ADAM Thomas has told fans how he's 'in pain every day' as he gave a candid update from his latest trip to the hospital.
I was in tears when the police returned my XL Bully
OWNER SAYS DOG WAS LEFT IN 'BAD STATE' AFTER BEING SEIZED
Student cop was 'bullied' claims dad
INQUEST TOLD TRAINEE HAD NIGHTMARES ABOUT BOSS 'TRYING TO STRANGLE HIM'
From Pretty Green to pretty vacant
PRETTY Green, the fashion brand founded by Liam Gallagher, has announced its flagship Manchester store has closed with immediate effect.
Dozens of 'late-stage' terror plots foiled since Arena bomb
THE security services have foiled 43 'late-stage' terror plots since March 2017 as new threats emerge from hostile nations such as Russia and China and a 'resurgent' Islamic State.