Dive Brief:

• At the Olinda Alpha landfill in Brea, California, a trained falcon is being used as a natural solution to disperse seagulls converging on the site.
• The landfill decided to use falcons instead of weapons to clear the swarms of seagulls. Landfill falconry has transformed into a niche industry after changes in federal guidelines.
• ​Releasing falcons to eliminate annoying birds has been a greater success at landfills than the use of air cannons, distress cries, releasing balloons with hawks painted on them and the implementation of elaborate wire systems.

Dive Insight:

Landfills are noticing the success brought by the birds of prey and have started to use the service at other locations. Many landfills have tried different methods of reducing the population, with varying degrees of success. Around 200 falconers are currently in the pest business across the country.