18-1002_Attch_A_-_Integrated_Natural_Resources_Management_Plan_for_Morón_Air_Base_Part6.pdf

INRMP - Final Morón AB, Spain E-17 June 2015

Appendix E Protection Status of Fauna and Flora

The Iberian Chiffchaff (Phylloscopus Ibericus) can be found nesting in habitat C1 and feeding in habitats C1 and E throughout the year. It is protected by the Bern and Bonn Conventions.

The Night Heron (Nycticorx Nycticorax) is found feeding in habitat C1 during breeding season.

It is protected by the birds Directive, the Bern Convention, and the Spanish and Andalusian catalogues.

Morón AB, Spain E-18 June 2015

The House Martin (Delichon Urbica) can be found nesting in buildings during breeding season.

It is protected by the Bern Convention and the Spanish and Andalusina catalogues.

Morón AB, Spain E-19 June 2015

Mammals

The Egyptian Mongoose (Herpestes Ichneumon), whose tracks are shown above, is found in habitats B1a, B5, and C1 and may be found breeding on the AB. It is protected by the EC Habitats Directive and the National and Andalusian Catalogues.

The European Polecat (Mustela Putorius), whose tracks are shown above, is found in habitat A1b and does not breed on the AB. It is protected by the EC Habitat Directive and the Benn

Convention.

Morón AB, Spain E-20 June 2015

Common Pipestrelles (bats) (Pipistrellus sp.), whose habitat is shown above and excrement shown below, are found in habitat A5c. They do not breed on the AB. They are protected by the EC Habitats Directive, the Bern Convention, the National and Andalusian Catalogues.

Morón AB, Spain E-21 June 2015

The Eurasian Badger (Meles Meles) is found in habitat A1b and does not breed on the AB. It is protected by the Bern Convention.

Morón AB, Spain E-22 June 2015

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Appendix F Species Potentially Present on Morón AB

Morón AB, Spain F-1 June 2015

The following vertebrates were not detected during field surveys but are potentially present on Morón AB. This analysis is based on the existing habitats and known distribution areas of these species. Birds and bats are not included, since nearly all species may be present due to their mobility.

Table F-1: Species Potentially Located at Morón AB

Scientific Name English Name Spanish Name Amphibians Triturus pygmaeus Pygmy Marbled Newt Tritón Pigmeo Bufo bufo Common Toad Sapo Común

Reptiles Hemidactylus turcicus Turkish Gecko Salamanquesa Rosada Podarcis hispanica Iberian Wall Lizard Lagartija Ibérico Psammodromus hispanicus Spanish Sand Lizard Lagartija Cenicienta

Mammals

Suncus etruscus Etruscan Shrew Musarañita Talpa europaea European Mole Topo Europeo Apodemus sylvaticus Wood Mouse Ratón de Campo Mus spretus Brown House Mouse Ratón Moruno Eliomys quercinus Garden Dormouse Lirón Careto Genetta genetta Common Genet Gineta Martes foina Stone (or Beech) Marten Garduña Mustela nivalis Least Weasel Comadreja

Source: Tetra Tech, 2014

Appendix F Species Potentially Present on Morón AB

Morón AB, Spain F-2 June 2015

Appendix G Bird Guidance

Morón AB, Spain G-1 June 2015

G-1 Introduction

The high concentration of birds nesting on buildings eaves is an ongoing problem at Morón AB causing health, safety, and quality of life issues. This guidance provides instruction in managing the bird nesting problem on buildings and a plan of action to prevent this situation in the future.

G-2 Species Involved

House Martin (Delichon Urbica)

House Martins (Delichon Urbica) distinguished from other swallows by its prominent white rump and their bluish- black color on the back. It has white feathered legs and its shorter, less forked tail distinguish it from the rest of the swallows. Size: Maximum 12.5 cm. It is migratory specie that returns every year to the base to nest and breed.

These birds build nests on outer walls of buildings under the eaves. Additionally, they can be found inside roofs or in sheds. They are colonial nesters, with an average group size of four to five nests, although large colonies with groups of tens or even hundreds of nests are sometimes reported. Town colonies tend to be smaller than countryside ones.

The breeding season runs from March to August when insects are abundant, but some chicks are still in the nest in September. Both sexes build a rounded mud nest under building eaves. House Martins are frequently double brooded and three broods are not uncommon. Fledged young from first broods often help their parents feed a second brood.

Colonies are traditional and nests are usually occupied from one year to the next, although rarely by the same two birds. House Martins breed when one year old. Males often return to the colony they fledged from or close by, while females tend to settle several kilometers away. They are short-lived, and most birds only breed for one year, though a few can have five or six breeding seasons. The oldest known wild bird was 14 years 6 months.

According to applicable laws the House Martin (Delichon Urbica) is listed under the National Catalog of Endangered Species under Annex II “Species of Special Interest”. These species follow the general dispositions of Law 8/2003 Conservation of Flora and Fauna in the Autonomous Community of Andalusia. Under the protection of that law there are activities that may affect this species that are forbidden.

In article 7 of the Law referred above as well as the FGS, chapter 13, C13.1 it is sated that the following is forbidden in relation to wild species:

“The following activities are prohibited for animal Species of Community Interest:

• The capture or killing of the species in the wild

• The disturbance of the species during its reproductive cycle, hibernation, or migration

• The destruction or collection of eggs or nests in the wild

• The deterioration or destruction of breeding sites or resting places”

Morón AB, Spain G-2 June 2015

In Art 7.2.b from Law 8/2003, it is specifically stated that it is forbidden to intentionally harm, damage, destroy or remove nests or their eggs (…) as well as the collection of eggs, even when nests are empty.

G-3 Morón AB Bird Nesting Problem

Bird nesting at various locations of the base is causing the following problems:

Quality of Life: The birds’ excrements and the mess produced while making their mud nests is a nuisance for building occupants especially in entrances to buildings. High levels of acidity in the bird’s droppings can even corrode metal, painted surface and concrete.

Health Concern: Bird excrement in some cases has a potential to enter the air conditioning system, transmitting diseases. Airborne spores from drying feces in air ducts and vents can settle on exposed food and transfer disease, such as salmonella.

Direct Contact with Feces: Infection occurs when a worker or resident gets fecal dust or droppings in an open wound or cut. This commonly occurs when handling products which are covered with bird feces. The wound site becomes red, puffy and puss-filled. Antibiotics are often needed to cure the infection.

Associated Parasites: House Martins have a number of parasites such as feather mites, in most cases harmless to them. These parasites do not affect people, but can be a nuisance if a nest is just above a window.

Aesthetical Problem: Areas where many of these birds live are difficult to maintain clean, especially, window sills, door entrances, etc.

Locations: The Nesting problem has been identified base wide. Not only on the USAF occupied buildings of the base but also and mainly on the SAF buildings.

G-4 Execution

Two methods will be considered to address the problem: Remove the exiting nests from certain areas; and prevent nesting from occurring again in the future.

Remove Existing Nests

Nest Determination

A determination will be made by CEIE of which nests are considered to be more bothersome to the building occupants, (e.g. those nests located close to building entrances, housing windows etc.) Those results will be coordinated with the facility manager.

Morón AB, Spain G-3 June 2015

Nest Removal Administrative Requirements

In order to be able to remove the nests, due to the especial protection of wild birds an authorization will be requested to the competent authority Environmental Delegation Delegación provincial de Medio Ambiente de Sevilla (under Art. 9.1.a. of Law 8/2003) This authorization must follow the procedures stated in Art 10 claiming that there is a risk to health and safety (art 9.1.a) with a specific management plan with the following information:

• Reason for nest removal

• Bird species involved

• Removal method

• Qualified personnel

• The risk conditions

• Time a year

• Location

• Type of monitoring measures

This request will be directed through the chain of command from the USAF to the Spanish Air Force, so they can make the request. Once authorization is granted, removal of determined nests will be accomplished. The authorization request- response process could take 3 months.

Consequently, adequate time lines must be established.

Nesting prevention

There are different strategies to prevent nesting:

a. Scare or bother the birds so that they leave and nest somewhere else.

b. A mechanical device that makes it impossible or very difficult to nest. The table F- 1describes some prevention measures:

Morón AB, Spain G-4 June 2015

Table G.1: Strategies to Prevent Nesting Measures Description Pros Cons

Scarer Strategies

Iridescent Foil Tape Iridescent combines holography wind and light. Hung on certaing areas, reflects light and creates an unsettling metallic noise

1. Operated by the slightest breeze

2. Economical and easy to apply

Metallic noise

Sticky Bird Repellent Gel

Non-toxic, vicous, sticky chemical that makes surface tacky and uncomfortable for birds

1. Hamless to metal structures, sealed masonry and ornamental metals

2. All weather

1. This is not suitable for House Martins since they don’t usually perch themselves on sills or windows.

2. Can glue bird’s feathers

Ultrasonic Bird Repeller

This unit produces harsh but hamless high frequency sound waves, but sound is above human hearing

1. Effective on rodents as well

2. Usable outdoors

1. Few birds can hear ultrasonic sounds. Not recommended by BASH Management Programs (ref. AFI 91-212)

2. Fairly expensive and difficult to maintain, needs to be connected to power

Terror-Eyes

Vinyl inflatable predator brilliantly colored frightens birds away. Huge hanging ball has menacing moving eyes with holographic effects on front and back

1. Mainly effective with pigeons.

2. Proven to be ineffective since birds habituate easily to them

Deterrent Strategies

Hanging CDs

Cds are hanged with s string separated 30 cm from one another and hang at different heights, when they move with the wind are very bothersome for birds, they also reflect sunlight

1. Very cheap

2. Proven very efficient

Aesthetically unappealing in buildings

Morón AB, Spain G-5 June 2015

Measures Description Pros Cons Deterrent Strategies (Cont)

Bird ¾”Mesh Netting

Prevents birds form gaining entry to nesting areas sealing off access to eaves. Tough, nearly invisible acts like a barrier

Easy installation and maintenance

Metal Strips Model N

Nixalite

Physical bird barrier by means of sharpened metal spikes

1. Birds can accidentally be impaled

2. Maintenance is difficult and can lead to health problems

Metal Sheet Covering the

90º Angle

Mechanical device of metal sheet that covers 90º angle making the surface slippery and preventing mud from adhering.

Used by Spanish Air Force in some locations of the base (HQ building south entrance). Proven efficient

1. Costly

2. Difficult to install

Hanging Plastic Strips

Plastic strips 30 cm long and 2 cm wide that move with the air and make nesting very difficult. Strips are collocated all along the eave 5 cm away from the wall covering a whole eave from side to side

1. It is used in Madrid and Sevilla Airport. It has shown to be pretty effective

2. Pretty cheap

1. Aesthetically unappealing

2. It has to be fabricated in house

Others Deterrents

Closing Eave Triangle

Eave can be closed with a piece of wood, with mesh chicken wire or parallel wires starting from the outer edge of soffit board to 15 cm down the wall

Morón AB, Spain G-6 June 2015

G-5 ACTION PLAN

Based on the previous information above, the following methods will be executed:

Nest Removal Period

Upon approval of the nest removal management plan by USAF, SpAF and delegación de Medio Ambiente, nest removal will be accomplished by CEOW-pest control from October to December, to avoid the nesting/breeding season March to August. Birds start arriving around February – March.

Appropriate methods will by used to remove the nests. Removal will be accomplished by qualified personnel using personal protective equipment (e.g. eye protection, respiratory protection, and disposable gloves and clothing. etc).

Control of bird parasites is a crucial phase of the bird nesting removal process. Unless the parasites are exterminated when the birds are excluded from a site, the mites, fleas, ticks etc. will seek a new host. Therefore, parasite extermination will be part of the removal process. This will be accomplished by CEOW as well.

Deterrent Measures

Deterrent measures will be installed at locations were nests have been removed and also in areas determined by CEIE. The deterrent measures deemed more appropriate by CEIE are:

• Hanging plastic strips combined with iridescent foil in extensive areas, such as the eave of a building or an exterior pipe.

• Hanging CDs in small areas (e.g., close to windows, underneath a stair).

These methods are less expensive than others and can resist weather conditions. According to users (e.g. Seville Airport, some locations on base) they have shown to be fairly effective.

Nevertheless, no method is 100% infallible. Birds are very persistent and will take advantage of any area clear of devices. The aesthetics of a building will be altered with the presence of these awkward and not very appealing devices and coordination will be required with the building manager.

If Nest Removal is not Allowed

In the event that approval of nest removal is denied by any party, deterrent and scare measures will be used in areas where nesting has proven to be a serious problem (in entrances to buildings, certain windows etc.,). Deterrents will not be put in a position to prevent access to an active nest.

Certain areas need to be allowed for nesting, since completely preventing nesting base wide will alter the wild bird habitat, which is forbidden in the applicable environmental laws. House Martins eat insects which is also beneficial.

Morón AB, Spain G-7 June 2015

Other Solutions

Where nest removal might not be recommended or allowed an alternative measure could be used, a shelf of about 25cm wide could be installed to catch droppings, especially from nests over a door or window. It is recommended to use key-hole brackets so shelf can be removed for cleaning.

G-6 BIRD SPECIAL PROTECTION MEASURES

In order to preserve the protected species certain policies will be followed:

Building Custodians

A memo will be sent to building custodians informing them that under no circumstances they are allowed to knock nests down. In case there is any problem or complaint they need to contact Pest Control CEOW, or the Environmental Section CEIE.

Morón AB, Spain G-8 June 2015