Heathrow officer uses bird sounds to deter wildlife from runways

Jack Quantick-Thorne, an airfield operations officer at Heathrow Airport, employs a distinctive method to manage wildlife on the airfield. He uses a system of speakers mounted on his vehicle to play recorded bird sounds, aiming to deter birds from the active runways and taxiways. This technique is designed to simulate the presence of predators, encouraging wildlife to relocate.

Wildlife dispersal methods

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Quantick-Thorne explained that the recorded sounds are chosen strategically. For instance, if a flock of starlings is spotted, playing a starling distress call can prompt them to move, as they might perceive a predator nearby. He also uses recordings of common gulls and black-headed gulls. For areas where pigeons might be present, a falcon call is played, as the sound of a predator would encourage the pigeons to fly away. While falcons are not present on the airfield, their recorded calls serve as an effective deterrent.

Broader airfield operations

Beyond wildlife management, Quantick-Thorne's responsibilities are varied. He is involved in marshalling aircraft, guiding planes to their designated stands, although he notes that laser-guided electronic displays now handle most of this. Human marshalling remains a critical backup. He also patrols the airfield, ensuring that refuelling operations are conducted correctly and that vehicles have their wheels properly chocked. Monitoring the road systems within the airport perimeter and checking for any infringements by drivers are also part of his duties. He previously worked at Nats, the air traffic control centre in Swanwick, managing aircraft remotely before moving to a role with a more hands-on approach at Heathrow.

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The job offers an enthusiast like Quantick-Thorne a close connection to aviation. He mentioned towing the Concorde for an exhibition, an event he described as incredible to witness. He also keeps records of every aircraft he has marshalled, including every plane in British Airways' short-haul fleet.