NEW BEDFORD, Mass. (May 4, 2003)--Drew Major, a fish and wildlife biologist for the US Fish and Wildlife Service, prepares a propane cannon before sending it out to Ram Island today. A propane cannon, also known as "boomers," is a noise deterrent used to scare birds away from an area. US Fish and Wildlife personnel hope to scare the endangered roseate terns, common terns, and oyster catchers from Ram Island until clean up crews can clean the heavy oil from the rocky shoreline. The propane cannon reaches 60-100 decibels and can be heard up to one mile away. Crews plan to install three propane cannons on Ram Island. Each one will be set on different timers to avoid creating a pattern the birds will recognize. USCG photo by PA2 Amy Thomas
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