Reducing Bird-Strike Risk at Portsmouth International Airport (PSM) Through Research on Breeding Upland Sandpiper Habitat

This report summarizes the results of a study to identify the habitat use and behavior of the upland sandpiper, a state-endangered bird species, at Portsmouth International Airport (PSM), which is near the Great Bay National Wildlife Refuge (GBNWR). The study determined that PSM provides the nesting habitat for 10 to 15 pairs of upland sandpipers. Despite several surveys at other suitable grassland habitats, including sites within GBNWR, biologists have not recorded any breeding activity outside of PSM. The study identified wildlife hazards and attractants on the airfield and made recommendations to minimize said hazards thereby protecting the state-endangered bird species. The management plan at PSM was modified to fit USDA Wildlife Services guidelines and provide a mowing regime to minimize the risk to the upland sandpiper. Recommended best management practices include: modifications to the mower’s flushing bar, the cutting height and time of year for cutting, improve and create additional habitat areas at GBNWR, and continued monitoring of impact on the upland sandpiper at PSM.

• Record URL:
  https://mm.nh.gov/files/uploads/dot/remote-docs/nhdot-research-14282u-2013-report.pdf
• 
• Record URL:
  https://rosap.ntl.bts.gov/view/dot/29152
• Supplemental Notes:
  • Alternate title: Upland Sandpiper Research at Portsmouth International Airport
• Corporate Authors:

  New Hampshire Fish and Game Department

  Concord, NH  United States 

  New Hampshire Department of Transportation

  Bureau of Materials and Research
  Box 483, 5 Hazen Drive
  Concord, NH  United States  03302-0483

  Federal Highway Administration

  1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Authors:
  • Kanter, John
  • Mikula, Toni
  • DeLuca, Diane
  • Holman, Heidi
• Publication Date: 2013-6

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Digital/other
• Edition: Final Report
• Features: Figures; Maps; Photos; References; Tables;
• Pagination: 34p

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Airports; Best practices; Bird strikes; Birds; Endangered species; Habitat (Ecology); Mowing; Recommendations; Risk management
• Identifier Terms: Great Bay National Wildlife Refuge; Portsmouth International Airport
• Subject Areas: Aviation; Environment; Maintenance and Preservation; I15: Environment; I60: Maintenance;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01574058
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: FHWA-NH-RD-14282U
• Contract Numbers: 14282U, A000(852)
• Files: NTL, TRIS, ATRI, USDOT, STATEDOT
• Created Date: Aug 27 2015 11:28AM