At three of its stations, Greater Anglia has enlisted the help of Harris Hawks and Gyrfalcon.
The birds of prey are being used to deter pigeons at Norwich, Ipswich, and Cambridge.
They are aiming to create a better experience for their passengers. Using the birds, they can patrol the stations and provide a deterrent to pigeons, which may be looking to roost in busy sections of the stations.
The birds are accompanied by a professional falconer from NBC Environment who shares a strong bond and encourages any pigeons to relocate.
Encouraging pigeons to go elsewhere will also help to reduce noise and prevent damage from corrosive droppings.
This is becoming a common sight at stations, including Scarborough and other East Yorkshire stations.
“The use of Hawks is a brilliant, non-harmful way to naturally deter pigeons and create a better environment for our passengers.
We are always looking for ways to improve station cleanliness and enhance the customer experience, and we hope that this initiative contributes to that.”
Krzysztof Drozd, Facilities Contracts Manager at Greater Anglia
Responses
And Greater Anglia have now been taken back by DfT and to become part of Great British Railways in 2027.
Had no idea of this. I have more of a personal beef with seagulls really.
It also works with gulls, although falcons are stated to be more effective than hawks when dealing with gulls.