Train stations deploy hawks to combat pigeon problem

By Charlie Fenton and Laura Cross

Rail chiefs have drafted two feathered friends to patrol the skies above their stations to deter nuisance pigeons.

Harris hawks Maverick and Zulu have been deployed at stations in Filey, Beverley, and Driffield in East in Yorkshire, as part of a 12-week trial which began in February.

The hawks are there to deter the pigeons and prevent them from nesting, but they are not used for hunting.

If they prove to be effective, they could be introduced at other Northern stations which have been plagued by pigeons in recent years.

Alex Hornby, Northern's commercial and customer director, said: “We have tried plastic owls and recorded hawk noises but they weren't an effective deterrent, so now we’ve brought in real birds of prey to help us with our pigeon problem.

“The pigeons are a real nuisance for our customers and cause headaches for the station staff who have to clear up after them.

"That’s why we’re determined to find humane ways of keeping them away.”

The train operator has been locked in a long-running battle with the birds at the stations as they damage station roofs and cause issues with their hazardous and corrosive droppings.

Northern has trialed various measures and last year plastic owls were installed at Morpeth station in Northumberland.

Recorded hawk noises were played out of speakers at Driffield station and the roof was smeared with ‘fire gel’, which appears to the pigeons as ultraviolet light and tricks them into thinking the surface is too hot to land on.

But Northern was forced to find another approach as the pests kept flocking to stations and nesting.

Spikes and netting have proved to be far more effective, as they prevent the birds from perching and nesting in certain areas without harming them.

However, these measures have not solved the problem because the pigeons move on to other parts of the stations.

Emily Mettam, 33, owner of The Saucy Seagull cafe inside Filey station, said: "The second the hawk is released, it is absolute chaos.

"The pigeons flap their wings and squeal and squawk, it drives them crazy."

Emily says so far she hasn't seen any nesting pigeons since the hawks have been introduced.

She also said: "The station used to get so dirty that it has a staff member who's job it was to clean up after them.

"It also wasn't pleasant for the travelers too who had to use the station."

Last year, Northern asked customers to stop feeding the brazen birds and leaving food lying around, claiming this has caused more to flock there.

The hawks which are currently being used at Northern stations have been provided by pest control company Rentokil.

If the trial is successful the hawks are set to be introduced over a five year period.