It’s a bird, it’s a plane… or it could be one of the 10 drones deployed by wildlife management experts at Pearson Airport in Mississauga to ensure the safe operation of hundreds of flights each day.

The drones, some designed to mimic planes and birds, work alongside 25 real birds of prey to keep the five runways and surrounding airspace clear of smaller birds that could pose a hazard to aircraft. This coordinated effort is managed by a human team who oversees the operation.

According to airport officials, these drones can reach speeds of up to 120 km/h while patrolling a designated perimeter around Pearson Airport. In a recent social media post, they highlighted the synergy between traditional and modern techniques: “What do medieval practices and modern tech have in common? Both fly, dip, dive and work in tandem to control wildlife at the airport. Using birds of prey and drones allows wildlife management workers to detect, monitor, and manage wildlife, helping to reduce disruptions on the airfield.”

Falcon Environmental, a leading North American firm in airport and landfill wildlife management, employs these drones to provide 24/7 monitoring at Pearson. The company has used birds of prey since 1999 and has recently integrated drones into their strategy.

The drones equipped with thermal imaging can operate at night, transmitting video footage to operators and continuing their work without breaks. Together with the 25 birds of prey, including Ivan, a 24-year-old bald eagle who has been patrolling Pearson since 2001, they help keep the airport’s airspace clear for the over 1,000 planes that take off and land daily.

Ivan, the largest of the airport’s birds at seven pounds, can fly at speeds over 50 km/h and dive at more than double that speed. His handler, Darryn Carter, releases him daily as part of the wildlife management team’s efforts.

This combination of human, avian, and drone technology significantly reduces the likelihood of bird strikes, which have historically caused accidents, though they are relatively rare. Pearson Airport and its surrounding areas, including Etobicoke Creek, are home to a diverse range of bird species and other wildlife.