Edmonton International Airport has introduced a modern, effective strategy to reduce bird hazards around aircraft.
According to Atlas Obscura, a Dutch company called Clear Flight Solutions designed life-like drones known as “Robirds” to deter birds from airport runways. While some airports rely on methods such as fireworks or even snipers, Robirds offer a humane, technology-driven alternative.
Each Robird mimics the size, shape and flight of a real raptor. The drones flap and glide in a way that convincingly resembles a hunting bird, tapping into the natural instincts of common flocking species.
Clear Flight Solutions produces two main models: a peregrine falcon version intended to discourage smaller birds, and a larger eagle model aimed at deterring birds of all sizes. The company explains that introducing a predator-like presence changes local bird behavior. Birds learn to avoid active hunting zones, which can reduce their numbers in targeted areas by around 50 percent or more, depending on habitat and surrounding conditions. Because Robirds trigger innate avoidance responses, the company says long-term habituation is unlikely.
Airports often attract large gatherings of birds because of their open spaces and nearby food sources. Bird strikes pose a serious risk to aviation, damaging aircraft and occasionally causing accidents. A high-profile example is the 2009 US Airways Flight 1549 emergency landing on the Hudson River, when Canada geese were ingested into the engines shortly after takeoff.
Edmonton officials emphasize that the Robirds will operate close to—but not over—runways, ensuring safety while reducing the chance of bird strikes.