The Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) spent $6 million on a falconry program, according to Blacklock’s Reporter. .“Falcons are used to control bird species that are hazardous for airport activities,” said the Department of National Defence in an inquiry of ministry tabled in the House of Commons. .“Wildlife control services consist of birds of prey, equipment, and personnel required to control birds.”.The Canadian military paid falconers to use ancient techniques to protect aircrafts from bird strikes. Conservative MP Blake Richards requested figures on Canadian government department spending for falconry techniques. .Falconry expenses totalled more than $6 million since 2016. The RCAF spent $5.9 million for daily falconry services at air bases in Trenton, ON, Bagotville, QC, and Shearwater, NS. .It has not estimated the number of bird strikes involving military aircraft. Most bird strikes happen from May to October. .Liberal MP Sherry Romanado asked at the House of Commons Defence Committee in 2016 how many strikes the RCAF reports in a year. RCAF Lt.-Gen. Michael Hood said he “wouldn’t have the exact number.” .“They happen quite often,” said Hood. .“Rarely do they cause any major damage to an aircraft.” .The Canadian Wildlife Service said in a study in 1973 jet fighters were susceptible to bird strikes. It said single engine fighter aircrafts operating at high speeds and low altitudes are “particularly vulnerable to ingestion of birds.”.“Bird strikes at airfields can be minimized by eliminating birds from runways and vicinity,” it said.
