AVIATION SAFETY RANKING VALUES AND BIRD SPECIES AT TRABZON INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, TÜRKIYE

Abstract

The study investigated bird species at Trabzon International Airport (TIA) in Türkiye and their Aviation Safety Ranking Values (ASRV). During the study period between February 2021 and February 2022, 75 observations were carried out using direct and indirect observation methods (camera traps, bird nests, eggs, feathers and; pellets) to identify species. As a result, 109 bird species were identified belonging to 39 families. Migration status of the observed birds ranged from overwintering (27), to summer visitors (26), residents (17), wintering and passage migrants (14), passage migrants (9), residents and wintering (8), residents and summer visitors (5), and residents and passage migrants (3). The bird hazard ranking system is based on bird size, average weights, flocking characteristics, and flight behaviour. According to the criteria of the ASRV, a total of 36 bird species at TIA with hazard levels of intermediate (3), high (4), and very high (5) were determined. Among the species identified, 25 weighed between 700 and 2200 grams. Wildlife professionals should be assigned to all airports to successfully control bird strikes and increase flight safety, and bird observations should be performed regularly.