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Islington Tribune - by ROISIN GADELRAB
Published: 21 November 2008

An environmental consultant brought in by Homes for Islington handles Junior the harrier hawk

Unflappable: Junior swoops on pest pigeons

MEET Junior the flying sheriff of King Square, Finsbury, appointed to the task of getting rid of a major flock of pests.
The harrier hawk is specially trained to scare off and disperse pigeons without harming them in any way.
Over time, the pigeons learn to associate the area with danger and leave for good.
Pigeon mess contains a range of infections and corrodes buildings. It is a big problem for residents in the area, some of whom complained that the birds had flown into their homes through open windows.
Previous attempts by Homes for Islington to control the problem, including putting up bird netting, had failed to reduce the numbers significantly.
The netting made residents feel claustrophobic, and they complained that it was unsightly.
Junior’s twice-weekly visits to the estate have, however, proved a great success.
Junior has just completed a seven-week trial period, which saw a reduction in the number of pigeons by week three. The success of the experiment is such that the trial is now being extending for a full
six-month period.
Sharron Kelly, chairwoman of Finsbury Tenants and Residents Association, said: “We are impressed with the trial use of the hawk. This is something our TRA has urged HFI to consider. Unlike netting and spiking, which requires ongoing cleaning, repairs and inevitable replacement; this is a clean, effective and sustainable alternative.”

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