[Midair]

Hello Ronnieo:

In 1988 I was involved in a pilot project sponsored by DND to test the feasibility and practicality of using R/C aircraft to control the bird population around military airports. The actual training was conducted at Downsview Airport with a short follow-on test phase at Toronto Island Airport. We used a simple .40 size "Stick" type platform that had mounted to it a three barrelled (4" barrels) cannon capable of firing 12 gauge "bird frite" shells. Bird frite was/is a common bird control method that uses a shotgun to fire a small explosive (like fireworks) projectile approximately 20 meters into the air were it exploded to scare the birds. Unfortunately, the program met with limited success and it was determined that it was no more effective than traditional airport bird control methods, which included habit or environment modification, predatory birds sound recordings and falconry. Furthermore, R/C bird control is relatively expensive, complicated and requires experienced and well trained operators. Consequently, R/C aircraft bird control was never adopted. Trying to control the birds in the situation that you describe will be a tough nut to crack. For a bird control program to work effectively no single control method will work for any length of time - you need to utilise different methods together. The company cannot really modify the environment, because the birds flock to the area as a result of the readily available food supply, so this will be the most difficult, if not impossible, attractant to control or eliminate.

In the meantime, I’ll take your advice a stay away from creamed corn

Peter

[ronnieo]

Thanks Peter...I will forward this and others to the Green Giant company...all kiddin aside... they do make the best corn.