Harry's keeping his hawk-eye on station pigeons

BIRDS OF PREY USED TO SCARE OFF SCAVENGERS

- NEAL KEELING

TWO Harris's Hawks have been drafted in at Piccadilly Station to put the wind up the pigeons.

Attracted by the easy pickings from sandwich crumbs and other titbits dropped by commuters, the pigeons have been increasing in numbers.

The hawks, native to the Americas, are handled by hawker, Wayne Wrigley, who works for Rentokil.

"Using falcons is the best option - it is a nonlethal option," he says.

"The pigeons are spooked by the falcons as you are introducing a natural predator to the area, and it pushes the population elsewhere," Wayne adds.

"We are using two Harris's hawks, a male, and a female, two good-natured birds who don't mind being around the public too. much. If the public want to come up and ask questions or get a photograph with them they are fine!"