Do scarecrows not work anymore? I find it difficult to believe that this is the most cost efficient-way to address the issue. I thought it was at least going to target the birds with high-powered speakers calibrated towards the birds hearing (which again might be easier to deploy in turret form), but this just seems like a joke or a parody of "tech investment" or something.
Granted, this does appear to be the test phase, but I'd hope there be some evidence this might work before they spend money on it.
I'm just thinking aloud here. Scarecrows might make the pilots freak out too. This thing has to not look like something that doesn't belong near a runway.
I agree, seems like overkill especially if you need a person to manage the "dogs". Instead I'd create a track around the airport and have a "dog" like train that just travels along the track autonomously. You could randomize pattern and dog movements so the birds don't get suspicious.
Granted, this does appear to be the test phase, but I'd hope there be some evidence this might work before they spend money on it.