The Bird Avoidance Model and Avian Hazard Advisory System are bird density forecasting models that provide aircrews a measure of bird activity for flight planning. Check out the latest BAM map and AHAS level for your flight at: http://www.usahas.com.
Phase II dates are March 1 to Nov. 30, corresponding with an increased concentration of migratory birds such as vultures, hawks, falcons, cattle egrets, doves, grackles, swallows and bats.
JBSA-Kelly Field is located in the middle of the central migratory flyaway. There is a high potential for migration of large bird species. The highest volume of bird activity occurs in the early spring (March-May) and throughout the late summer and fall (September-November). Vultures often soar near the creek bed west of the airfield. The Covel Gardens landfill (~6 miles west) is also a popular location for vultures.
Wintering species include hawks, grackles, several dove types, meadowlarks, falcons and cattle egrets. Wintering species at JBSA-Kelly Field may still pose a threat to daily airfield operations. Airfield Management, Air Traffic Control and Flight Safety monitor patterns and activities daily to adjust bird watch conditions as required.
WARNINGS:
1. There is a year-round roost of approximately 1,000 cattle egrets at Elmendorf Lake Park, 2.9 nautical miles northeast of the north end-of-runway. These birds travel southwest, crossing the north EOR, toward a major landfill and other foraging areas southwest of the airfield each morning. The cattle egrets return to roost southwest to northeast across the north EOR within two hours of sunset. The return to roost is not as consistent or concentrated as the morning movement. During the breeding season of March through August, small groups of one to 10 cattle egrets will make this trip throughout the day, multiple times per day, to feed their offspring.
2. Swarms of over 1,000 swallows have been observed flying low over the runway in the morning hours of the September through October migration.