Official websites use .mil
Secure .mil websites use HTTPS
Erica McDonald, U.S. Department of Agriculture wildlife biologist, holds onto a red tail hawk caught on Scott Air Force Base, May 1, 2013. Red tail hawks and other large birds pose a threat to aircraft landing and taking off. If the plane gets close enough and the bird gets hit, the impact can severely damage the engine and the plane will have to be grounded for repairs. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Tristin English)
A red tail hawk caught on Scott Air Force Base spreads its wings displaying an aggressive posture May 1, 2013. Red Tail Hawks caught on Scott Air Force Base are tagged and then transferred to Carlyle Lake or Springfield, Ill. Depending on the age of the hawk lets wildlife biologist know how far the hawk should transferred away from base to make sure it doesn’t find its way back. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Tristin English)
A red tail hawk caught on Scott Air Force Base spreads its wings displaying an aggressive posture May 1, 2013. While 97.5 percent of all air strikes involve birds, strikes with over animals such as deer, coyotes, turtles and other mammals have caused problems to aircraft. These birds are tagged and then transported away from Scott. Depending on the age of the hawk lets wildlife biologist know how far the hawk should transferred away from base to keep the aircraft safe. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Tristin English)
A red tail hawk caught on Scott Air Force Base spreads its wings displaying an aggressive posture May 2, 2013. Red-tailed hawks are known for their brick-colored tails. The birds of prey prefer open areas, such as fields with high perching places nearby, causing issues on the flight line. Planes taking off or landing can accidently hit a bird therefore causing engine trouble and grounding a plane for repairs or causing a plane to crash. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Tristin English)
Erica McDonald, U.S. Department of Agriculture wildlife biologist, prepares to cover a trapped red tail hawk after being caught in a Bal-chatri trap on Scott Air Force Base, May 2, 2013. McDonald covered the hawk with her jacket to get close enough to release it from the trap without her being attacked. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Tristin English)
Great blue herons perch on a tree top in the marshlands outside Scott Air Force Base, May 1, 2013. Great blue herons hunt along but they typically nest in colonies, which can cause problems for any planes landing at Mid America airport and Scott AFB runway. The larger the colony the more birds there are flying around the runways which can eventually make it difficult for planes landing and taking off trying to avoid the birds. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Tristin English)