New falconer to help quell flightline bird strikes Published April 27, 2007 By Tyler Hemstreet 62nd Airlift Wing Public Affairs MCCHORD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. -- A new vehicle, a new falcon and most importantly, a new person will be patrolling McChord's back roads and runways trying to keep birds away from aircraft. Ted Reilly, who's been working with birds since 1968, was hired recently to serve as the base's falconer. Mr. Reilly will work with his peregrine falcon to reduce the comfort zone of birds around the runways and restricted areas in an effort to reduce or eliminate the amount of damage birds can cause to an aircraft taking off or landing, said Tech. Sgt. David Collett, 62nd Airlift Wing safety office. "Bird strikes are one of our biggest concerns," Sergeant Collett said. "This is one area where we can mitigate the bird strike potential." As the seasons and bird migration patterns change, Mr. Reilly will be working during the mornings and evenings -- the times when there is the most bird activity, said Sergeant Collett. Having worked in the civilian sector most of his life, Mr. Reilly is currently in the process of learning the radio communication Airmen in the control tower use to talk with others on the flightline, Sergeant Collett said. Mr. Reilly is also learning the rules of the flightline and other restricted areas and familiarizing himself with the birds and wilderness areas he will be working in, he said. "He's going to be doing a very important job for the base so we want everyone to be aware that he is going to be the new face in restricted areas," Sergeant Collett said. While Mr. Reilly admits it's been a challenge to learn all of the regulations, he said he's excited to be doing something he loves. "To have the ability to do your favorite hobby as a job is a great thing," Mr. Reilly said. His winged co-worker also likes the new job, he said. "The bird I have now isn't fazed by anything," Mr. Reilly said. "It doesn't pay any attention to the jets." By working with his falcon each day, he said he has trained the bird so it can fly around all day long. All the extra flying has built up the bird's stamina, but when it comes to actually keeping birds away from the restricted areas, Mr. Reilly said he hopes to accomplish some of the falcon's work by utilizing the fear factor. "It's a size and intimidation thing," he said. "Once they see the falcon spread its long wings, [hopefully] their natural instinct to flee will kick in."