1 Bird Concentration on or in the Vicinity of the Hong Kong International Airport
1.1 A number of varieties of birds are present in Hong Kong throughout the year they include:
- Black-eared kite (weighing up to approximately 1 kg). The usual maximum number present is 10, but up to 45 at one time have been recorded. The greatest numbers are present during the period October to January. Birds soar on thermals up to approximately 2,000 ft over the runway and approach areas.
- Gull, particularly the black-headed gull (weighing approximately 300 g). The numbers are variable but up to 3,000 have been recorded from early November to early April. They usually keep below 200 ft.
- Crested Myna (weighing up to 120 g). Up to 200 birds have been sighted around the southern and western perimeter of the airport.
- Raptors, their number usually increases between late October and April. Common Kestrel (weight > 100 g) and Common Buzzard (weight > 500 g) are raptors commonly seen in urbanized landscape. Common Buzzards usually soar on thermals above the runway or sea surface at heights similar to Black Kite. Common Kestrels usually forage near the runway at heights up to about 200 ft by active flying.
- Egret & Herons (collectively known as ardeids) (weighing up to 250 g). Flocks of ardeids are usually roost in the artificial seawall of the airport. Egrets may fly to lawn along the runway when these grasslands are flooded by heavy rains.
1.2 During spring (April - May) and autumn (August - October) the number of birds increases due to the migration of many species, including: snipe, plover, sandpiper and starling, (weight range 30-300 g approximately). Most of the migratory waterbirds stay in Mai Po Nature Reserve. They may be present in the airport in variable numbers with MAX concentrations (approximately 500) occurring during periods of heavy rain, low cloud, strong winds and cold surges, both by day and during the hours of darkness. These birds usually keep below 100 ft.
1.3 A long grass policy has been adopted at Hong Kong International Airport as a deterrent to breeding and roosting on the airport. In addition regular bird control patrols are conducted on all movement areas.
1.4 Pilots are advised, where the design limitations of aircraft installations permit, to operate landing lights at all times during take-off, approach-to-land, climb and descent phases of flight.