Trained Hawks Clearing Damaging Pigeons from Historic Site

Background

Unwelcome birds that are degrading historic sites at the Casa Grande Ruins National Monument will soon receive an eviction notice in the form of trained hawks.  Salt River Project is assisting the National Park Service in this effort utilizing the services of WildEdge Conservation Science to periodically fly a trained Harris’ Hawk into areas where the birds, including pigeons and European Starlings, are roosting.

Objective

Because raptors evoke a natural fear or flight response in potential prey species, the birds will likely leave their perching areas at the monument to avoid the hawks.  It is hoped that occasional repeat visits by WildEdge's hawk will lead many pigeons to find another roosting site somewhere away from the Monument and its famous Hohokam ruins.

“Trained raptors provide an effective method of bird control that is environmentally sensitive, is usually non-lethal and will not have any adverse impacts on the Ruins,” said WildEdge scientist James Dawson.

Birds that are nesting and breeding at the Ruins produce droppings that are not only unsightly, but are also damaging the ancient caliche buildings.

“We have been looking for a solution to our bird problems here for some time now, particularly at the Big House,” said Carol West, acting superintendent at Casa Grande Ruins.  “Many of the other bird control measures we have investigated are ineffective, inhumane or environmentally damaging.  Using these trained hawks appears to be a very promising long-term solution that will help protect our pre-historic ruins.”

Partnerships

WildEdge Conservation Science, an Arizona non-profit corporation, promotes wildlife conservation through partnerships with businesses, agencies, individuals, and utility service providers.  WildEdge specializes in resolving human/wildlife conflicts by building integrated programs that combine sound science, applied ecology, and inspiring education programs.  WildEdge Scientists and Educators design and conduct projects involving integrated pest management, avian electrocution prevention, urban wildlife issues, and other conservation topics.  Projects are supported by environmental education programs that feature live, free-flying birds.

For More Information....

Contact:

WildEdge Conservation Science
P.O. Box 63514
Phoenix, AZ 86082
Phone:  480-361-9425

 

Ray Hedrick

Manager Siting and Studies, Environmental Services

Salt River Project

P. O. Box 552025

Phoenix, AZ 85072-2025

Office: (602) 236-2828

email: rdhedric@srpnet.com

Links:

WildEdge Conservation Science (www.wildedge.org)

Salt River Project (www.srpnet.com)

SRP Avian Protection Program
        (www.srpnet.com/environment/avian.aspx)