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      Hawking - Birds of Prey

      Eliminate nuisance birds from your premises with Vergo's birds of prey.
      Our wide range of bird control solutions are effective and humane methods of avian control.

      Specialist Pest ControlHawking – Birds of Prey

      Qualified avian specialists

      Falconry bird control

      All species of wild birds, along with their nests and eggs, are legally protected in the UK. However, there are humane and effective solutions to managing nuisance birds within the bounds of the law.

      When dealing with nuisance birds such as pigeons or gulls, it is advisable to seek a professional pest management company like Vergo Pest Management. Our team of specialist avian control professionals has extensive knowledge and many years of experience in protecting our customers’ sites against unwanted pest birds.

      At Vergo, we offer a wide range of bird control solutions tailored to your specific requirements. Our bird and avian control solutions range from traditional methods such as netting, spiking, hawking, and bird wire systems to state-of-the-art technologies including bird lasers and bird scarers.

      Contact us today to schedule a free site survey and discuss how we can help you address your bird control needs.

      What is hawking?

      Hawking is a highly effective and humane method of controlling nuisance birds, which involves using trained birds of prey to scare away or capture nuisance birds. The trained birds of prey are flown over an area where unwanted birds (such as pigeons and gulls) are present, the birds of prey’s presence naturally deters the pest birds from remaining in the area without causing them harm.

      Hawks make the area far less attractive as a nesting or feeding location as they believe the birds of prey will attack them and their young; the pest birds will relocate to find a safer place to nest elsewhere.

      Benefits of hawking

      Using hawks as a method of bird control can offer several benefits, such as:

      • Highly Effective: Hawks are highly effective at scaring off unwanted birds; they are trained to fly to mimic a natural predator, causing unwanted birds to see them as a threat and vacate the area. Hawks are a versatile choice for bird control due to their ability to cover a vast area and their adaptability to different environments.
      • Natural Deterrent: Birds of prey such as hawks are natural predators to many bird species, and a hawk’s presence can deter unwanted birds. Seeing a hawk circling overhead or perched on a nearby structure can cause other birds to flee the area, reducing the likelihood of damage or disturbance.
      • Humane Solution: Unlike other bird control methods, using hawks is a non-lethal solution. The hawks are trained to scare off unwanted birds rather than harm them, making it a humane option for bird control.
      • Environmentally Friendly: Using hawks as a form of bird control is also an eco-friendly option for avian control, as no harmful chemicals or poisons are involved in hawking. Using trained hawks is a sustainable practice used for centuries.

      Overall, using hawks as a form of bird control can offer a natural, non-lethal, eco-friendly, and effective solution for deterring unwanted birds.

      Meet Simon Vergo’s Falconer and his Harris Hawk Luna. 

      hawking birds of prey

      Our bird of prey programme

      Vergo’s Bird of Prey Programme involves multiple visits from a trained bird handler and bird of prey throughout the year. The bird handler will determine the frequency of flights required each week, depending on the type of bird that needs to be deterred. Different bird species require different approaches for successful deterrence.

      During the Bird of Prey Programme, the handler will vary the timing of flights over the affected site. They will continually monitor the bird infestation levels and adjust flying time as needed.

      Our experienced bird handler will identify the most effective vantage points from which to fly the birds of prey. As the raptors fly over the affected area, they will disturb the pest birds, giving the impression that the raptor is a threat to the colony. However, the birds of prey are trained only to deter the pest birds and will not attack them at any time.

      For more information, enquire today.

      Bird control legislation

      The Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981) serves as the governing legislation for the protection of all avian species.

      At Vergo, we strictly adhere to the regulations outlined in this legislation for all our methods of controlling nuisance birds and are approved by the relevant legislation bodies:

      • Natural England
      • Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH)
      • The Welsh Assembly
      • Northern Ireland Department of the Environment

      In most instances, individual license applications are required for the preservation of public health and safety and air safety. Vergo’s team take care of this programme and liaise with the relevant bodies to ensure that we are fully compliant.

      Commercial falconry

      Pest birds can cause significant nuisance and property damage to various businesses, making it crucial to seek the services of bird control experts who can provide effective deterrent solutions in a timely manner.

      At Vergo Pest Management, we offer professional and humane bird control solutions that ensure your business is free from pesky bird species. Our team of specialist avian experts provides commercial bird control services across the country, catering to a broad range of clients, from small independent retailers to large-scale stores.

      We take pride in our membership with the British Pest Control Association and numerous safety accreditations such as CHAS, Safe Contractor, and ISO 9001.

      To book a free site survey for your business, get in touch today, and we will attend to survey the area and will provide our recommendations and a no-obligation quote.

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      FAQ's

      • What is a bird of prey?

        A bird of prey is a bird that is carnivorous and hunts other animals for food. They are also known as raptors and are characterised by their sharp talons, hooked beaks, and excellent eyesight. Some common examples of birds of prey in the UK include Falcons, Hawks, Eagles and Owls. Birds of prey play an important ecological role by controlling the populations of small mammals, birds, and insects. They are also admired for their grace, power, and beauty.

      • Are birds of prey harmful to other wildlife?

        Birds of prey are a natural part of the ecosystem and play an important role in controlling populations of other wildlife. While they do hunt and kill other animals for food, they are not harmful to other wildlife when they are used for hawking bird control. In fact, they can help to restore a natural balance by controlling populations of pest birds that can cause damage to crops, buildings, and infrastructure.

      • Can hawking be used in urban areas?

        Yes, hawking can be used to control birds in urban areas. In fact, urban areas are often some of the most challenging environments for avian control, as they are often densely populated and have limited space for traditional bird control methods such as netting or spikes. Using trained birds of prey to deter pest birds in urban areas can be an effective and natural solution.

        However, there may be some restrictions on using hawks or other birds of prey in certain urban areas, such as areas with high levels of pedestrian traffic or noise pollution. Vergo is a licensed and experienced hawking provider, we assess the situation and develop a safe and effective plan for bird control ensuring we comply with regulations.

      • What types of birds does hawking birds of prey deter?

        Birds of prey are effective in deterring a wide range of pest birds. Some common species of pest birds that birds of prey can deter include:

        • Pigeons
        • Gulls
        • Starlings
        • Sparrows
        • Canada geese

        Birds of prey can be an effective and natural way to deter these pest birds from causing damage and creating a nuisance.

      • How much does hawking cost?

        The cost of hawking can vary depending on several factors, including the size of the area that needs to be covered, the type and number of birds of prey required, and the duration of the service. At Vergo, we provide a competitive rate for our hawking services, and these are calculated on a case-by-case basis.

        To receive a quote, please contact us today. One of our trained local professionals will visit your site to conduct a survey and provide a free recommendations report based on your specific needs.

         

         

      • What types of businesses use hawking?

        Several industries in the UK may use hawking to deter birds, including:

        • Agriculture: Farmers may use hawking bird control to protect their crops from bird damage.
        • Vineyards: Vineyards may use hawking to deter birds from eating grapes.
        • Airports: Airports may use hawking to prevent birds from interfering with aircraft operations.
        • Waste management facilities: Waste management facilities may use hawking to prevent birds from scavenging on waste and causing hygiene problems.
        • Parks and gardens: Parks and gardens may use hawking to protect plants and flowers from bird damage.
        • Sporting venues: Sporting venues may use hawking to deter birds from nesting or roosting in areas where they could disrupt events.

        Overall, any industry or business with a problem with nuisance birds may consider hawking a natural and effective method of bird control.

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