Hawk used to deter pigeons at Euston Station

Euston Station has employed a new member of staff for the next few months, and his job is solely to see off pigeons.

Oscar the Harris's hawk will fly around Euston Station once a week to deter pigeons from building nests there.

Network Rail said pigeons had become a "persistent issue" at the station, often roosting, nesting, and feeding in areas used by passengers.

It said Oscar provided a "humane solution" and added: "He doesn't harm the birds but acts as a natural deterrent."

The timings and locations of Oscar's flights over the next few months will vary, to ensure the raptor's presence is a deterrent for the pigeons, and therefore effective.

Using hawks to scare off pigeons isn't new though. Network Rail has used them before, including in 2018, when Aria the Harris's hawk was brought in to divert "sandwich-thieving pigeons" at Waterloo station.

Rufus the American Harris's hawk has been chief pigeon patroller of the annual Wimbledon tennis tournament for the past 17 years, and even has his own Instagram account.

Matt Ferguson, senior station interface manager for London Euston said: "We're always looking for innovative ways to improve the station environment for our passengers, and Oscar is already proving to be a valuable member of the team."

He added that they had already seen a "noticeable drop in pigeon activity" since Oscar started his role to help "keep the station cleaner and more welcoming for everyone".

Oscar's handler, falconer Adel Letchford, said: "Oscar has taken to Euston like a pro: cool, calm, and already ruffling a few pigeon feathers.

"It's brilliant to see how quickly he's made an impact, the pigeons are definitely getting the message and passengers seem to love spotting him on patrol!"

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