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Stormwater detention ponds are necessary to catch and treat stormwater run-off in and around airport property. These artificial ponds create potential habitat for many species of wildlife, including birds. Collisions between birds and aircraft are now a major problem, with more than 4,000 collisions taking place each year. Airport managers seek ways to reduce this risk, but the factors which influence bird use of stormwater detention ponds are poorly understood. Recent research has investigated these factors in the Pacific Northwest. However, this research has not yet been extended to the southeastern United States.

Brian Fox, M.S. candidate, under Dr. Jim Armstrong, is bridging this gap by quantifying the factors that contribute to bird use of stormwater detention ponds in the southeast. The research will focus on a set of 40 stormwater detention ponds in Alabama for two years. The collected data will be synthesized into a set of models to help airport managers and community planners better understand how existing and proposed stormwater detention ponds can be designed & managed to reduce the risk of collisions between birds and aircraft. The resulting management practices will improve aviation safety and commerce, while building a better understanding of avian use of artificial habitat.