RAF begs ‘do not feed the birds’ after navy helicopters pressured to re-route

The RAF has warned that individuals are endangering navy plane by feeding a chook of prey that roams the world close to one among their bases.

A spokesperson for RAF Benson, close to Oxford, says that the variety of crimson kites are growing in Oxfordshire – inflicting helicopters to re-route to keep away from them.

The birds are recognized to trigger extra harm to aircrafts than different birds if hit in a birdstrike.

The navy base has already seen two birdstrikes within the final yr – with one involving a crimson kite.

Another incident noticed an plane pressured to re-route after being “surrounded” by 15 of the big birds of prey that may measure between 24 and 26 inches lengthy.

The base has urged members of the general public to not feed the birds, together with native parish and city councils in Cholsey and Wallingford.

An RAF spokesman stated: “Big birds of prey and aircraft are never a good mix.

“RAF Benson has an energetic wildlife administration plan to mitigate birdstrike danger for its helicopters, this contains asking the area people to assist, by not feeding kites within the neighborhood of the aerodrome.

“This strategy is fully endorsed by Natural England, as it also helps the birds avoid the risk of being hit by our aircraft.”

Bird management measures usually do not work on crimson kites on account of how excessive they fly above the airfield’s wildlife management operatives.

A gathering was held on Wallingford Town Council on August 21 with group captain Christian Royston-Airey, station commander of RAF Benson, explaining the numerous and dear harm that could possibly be brought on to plane by a chook strike.

One resident reported that he had “received a right old thumb on the head” when a crimson kite swooped them at Bull Croft park.

The council have erected round 20 posters within the Kinecroft, the Bull Croft, and the moorings by the River Thames which warned folks towards feeding the birds.

Councillor Steve Holder stated no additional incidents had been reported because the marketing campaign started.

He stated: “We’re obviously not going to get anyone calling up to say they used to feed the red kites and now don’t, but hopefully it’s hit a nerve and they have been convinced to stop by guilt.

“They’ve been given a sign of what occurs if you do feed them.”