BASH Border collies keep birds at bay

MacDill Thunderbolt, May 2004
By 2nd Lt. Erin Dorrance
Chief of Internal Informtaion

 It is not uncommon to see dogs on base at the veterinarian clinic, the 6th Security Forces Squadron kennels or along the jogging trail on Bayshore Boulevard.  Now MacDill members will see border collies chasing birds off MacDill's airfield to prevent bird strikes. 

The collies serve as a predator, said Rebecca Ryan, Flyaway Farm and Kennels CEO, who has been contracted to run Wildlife Management and Bird Aircraft Strike Hazard programs on base.  Gulls, wading birds, shore birds, hawks, and small perching birds may be seen on or around the airfield and can cause severe damage to aircraft if pulled into jet intakes.  She said these birds see the dogs as a coyote or fox, and stop going to the airfield to eat and live.

Border collies are known to be stalkers which makes them perfect for their job at MacDill, said Ms. Ryan.  Their movement and presence make them appear to be a threat to birds and wildlife. 

MacDill's two new collies are four-year old Coal and six-year old Trim.  The dogs have had at least one year of training and will be supervised by dog handlers, said Ms. Ryan.

A big difference between the BASH collies and the 6th SFS dogs is that the collies go home and live with the dog handlers, where as the 6th SFS dogs live on base in kennels.  However, the collies still have to follow directions so they stay focused on their job, she said. 

Although two dogs are currently stationed at MacDill, more dogs may be used during months when there are more birds around than usual, she said.  Meanwhile, the collies and their handlers will continue to develop a plan to decrease bird activity and mitigate risk to aircraft on MacDill's airfield. 

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