Hawks Patrol Warsaw Metro

Warsaw’s metro stations have some unusual guests – a pair of Harris’s hawks whose job it is to discourage unwanted pigeons from roosting. According to the AFP, bird breeder Piotr Zadworny and his hawks have been hired to patrol metro stations in Poland's capital to remove the pigeons. The hawks don’t need to hunt the pigeons, however; just the sight of their natural predators will send pigeons away. Zadworny does not permit his trained birds to kill the pigeons because of local laws protecting the wild birds and the risk of the hawks contracting illnesses from the pigeons.

Many cities are plagued by extensive rock pigeon populations and while birds of prey have been used for pest control in agricultural areas and near airports, this is the first time they’ve been used to patrol metro stations. Once the pigeons have been frightened away, nests will be removed and mesh will be used to cover nesting and roosting areas to prevent the pigeons from returning.

Are pigeons a problem near your home? What pigeon control methods do your local authorities use? Share your experiences in the comments!

Harris's Hawk
Photo © Tony Hisgett