one airport in japan is striking back against thiothemena wi allf th meanst ca more from nhk world's >> it used a conventional method for bird strikes by firing shots to prevent the birds. >> translator: if that bd flies directly upward it will be in the flight path of the planes taking off. we have the shots quickly and chase them away. >> reporter: they're growing with over 2,000 incidents reported last year. that's because new airports and runways are being built and there are more flights taking off from london. in 2007, a major incident happened at the airport. one day a flock of about 10,000 gulls appeared. airport workers tried to get them to leave, but the usual methods didn't work. 50 of the birds hit an airplane causing damage to the wings. >> since then, the airport has come up with some innovative measures to prevent further strikes. the cry of a black tail is broadcast through the speakers. when other gulls arrive to find out what the problem is the staff fires a blank shot at them >> the airport is a dangerous place. another tactic is to spray the runways with vinegar.