Wingin' It - Arlington Municipal Airport Newsletter Wingin' It - Issue 7 - May 2016 | Page 2

Wingin’ It
Wildlife/Stormwater Updates
As we enter into spring and early summer months, bird activity increases with the
northward flock migration in full swing. One common species seen at the Arlington
Municipal Airport is the Upland Sandpiper, which migrates annually from the north
during breeding season.
The Sandpiper is a shorebird, inhabiting open grassy areas and routinely spotted
throughout the airfield. Airport Operations staff do what they can to disperse the
birds; however, last year, we had three bird strikes around April and May and all
dealt with the Upland Sandpiper.
If you see a flock settling in the Airport Operations Area, inform ATCT or Airport
Operations and the birds will be dispersed.
If a strike does occur, please report it to Operations staff immediately (817-459-5571). If possible, Ops personnel
will collect the remains - (technically referred to as “snarge”), and submit a report to the FAA Wildlife Strike
Database. If the type of bird can’t be determined onsite, a sample will be sent to the Smithsonian Institute for
identification. Determining the species is very important to researchers. Data collected is used to help develop
better methods of preventing bird strikes. Pilots are encouraged to also file a report, to give the FAA as much data
on the strike as possible. The FAA Wildlife Strike Database is located at http://wildlife.faa.gov.
Another potential threat to aircraft is the coyotes. We have identified six that are currently roaming the airport.
They are highly active at dawn and dusk. If you spot coyotes in the AOA please alert ATCT or Airport Operations.
Comments or Suggestions for
Upcoming Newsletters?
email airport @arlingtontx.gov or call Trudi loy at 817-459-5570
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