The airport is a small ecological niche. An island of prairie like grassland surround by forested land. Airport maintenance annually mows the areas surrounding runways preventing the growth of brush and trees. The open grasslands created are ideal habitat for voles. The abundance of voles draws owls as well as other predators, particularly during the winter when food is scarce. The airport fence provides an excellent perch for the owls to hunt from. In addition there are two miles of a sparely used dead-end road paralleling the back side of the airport, which provides easy access to a portion of the grassland. During the nesting season Savannah Sparrows, which prefer grasslands are abundant here. Similar conditions present around many airports, can be excellent locations for birding. I suggest you check your local airport, but not at the departure terminal. You just might discover birds difficult to find in other areas.
