Optimum News 12 Newsday MSG Varsity Explore LI AM New York Newsday Cars Newsday Homes
Print Aa

Battling bird strikes at Westchester airport

Originally published: June 10, 2012 10:09 AM
Updated: June 10, 2012 10:10 AM
By THOMAS ZAMBITO  thomas.zambito@cablevision.com

Matt Palumbo, a Department of Agriculture wildlife biologist

Photo credit: Nancy Siesel | Matt Palumbo, a Department of Agriculture wildlife biologist at Westchester County Airport, shoots a pyrotechnic launcher on the airport grounds to try to prevent birds from being struck by airplanes. (June 4, 2012)

The enemy is perched atop a camera security pole on the outer edge of a rain-soaked runway at Westchester County Airport.

Matthew Palumbo spies him and within seconds fires off a single round from a tiny gun. The red-tailed hawk atop the pole flies off into the distance, scared off by a whistling pyrotechnic flare Palumbo just shot into the sky.

"That should spook him off," Palumbo says.

Palumbo,...

Content Preview This content is exclusive for Newsday digital access and 7-day home delivery subscribers and Optimum Online customers.

Already
registered?
Log in
Already a
subscriber/customer?
Register
Get a 4-week trial for $1
Subscribe