Hawkeye Bird and Animal Control has been synonymous with Excellence in Humane Pest Bird Control and Animal & Wildlife Removal for over 35 years. Call us today at 416.429.5393

 

Hawkeye Bird and Animal Control Services

What is Falconry?

Falconry is defined as “taking wild quarry in its natural state and habitat by means of trained birds of prey” (iaf.org) and dates back as far as 2000 BC, however some historians believe this prectice to be much older.

Birds of prey are excellent hunters as they have incredible eye sight and very sharp claws, or talons. They can hunt prey that fly in the air, or small mammals on the ground. Some hunt during the day, while others (such as owls) are nocturnal and hunt at night. Birds of prey can can be incredibly fast, reaching speeds of up to 60mph in a dive and able to quickly manoeuver through dense forests and thick brush.

Birds of prey are trained by learning to associate the falconer with food. A raptor is very food motivated and when it learns that the falconer is its only source of food, it can be trained with the food as the reward.

When a brid of prey catches prey, the falconer has to remove the prey immediately and replace it with a food reward for a job well done. If the raptor gets to eat what it catches, it will no longer be willing to fly for the falconer. The falconer has to be the only source of food for the bird. Birds of prey can be easily released back into the wild to become "wild" again after being trained by a falconer.

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Choose from our spectacular Falconry Experience » or Owl Experience »

Visit with and learn about our Birds of Prey - fly a Hawk or an Owl at the end of your Falconry or Owl Experience!

Here, at Hawkeye Bird Control, we offer a proactive falconry program that is both humane and highly effective at controlling pest birds. We use birds of prey as an environmentally friendly way of controlling the behavioural patterns of pest bird species such as pigeons, gulls, starlings and sparrows.

When dealing with large numbers of pest birds, birds of prey offer faster and longer lasting results than methods such as killing/shooting. Using Falconry works for controlling birds for many situations including; airport bird strike safety, industrial building infestations/nesting, reducing crop damage from bird feeding, unsanitary areas from excessive bird droppings, landfills, recreational areas and more.

Watch Falconer Dan Frankian and our harris hawk "Clara" in action at a local landfill

Dan flying Clara FalconryFalconry takes advantage of the natural relationship between bird predators and their prey. Falconry raptors are trained to scare and chase pest birds. The pest birds learn quickly that the area is no longer safe.  Using falconry for bird control is quicker and lasts longer in comparison to other 'scare' methods inlcuding noise makers, shooting,  and trapping.  

The art of falconry is well over two thousand years old, and the way nature intended bird & animal populations to be regulated.

 

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How to Get Rid of Raccoons in Backyard Ponds and Local Water Features

Did you know that raccoons love water and are excellent swimmers? And, did you know that raccoons have a habit of "washing" their food before consumption? Perhaps this explains why raccoons are so drawn to all kinds of water features - from backyard pools and DIY garden ponds to park retention ponds and ornamental fountains in courtyards and public parks.

While watching a raccoon or two going for a leisurely swim in your backyard may sound entertaining, our nimble little trash pandas actually cause a slew of damage, including pool and pond liner damage, ecological disruption, leave a big mess, and pose disease risks. The biggest risk is water contamination from raccoons infected with rabies. This would put your pets and other wildlife at great risk. In this article, we'll explore some of the issues, answer common questions from pond owners and provide both practical and legal solutions for protecting your backyard pond and/or remove raccoons from your GTA property.

What Types of Ponds and Water Features Are at Risk?

  • Residential Ponds – Decorative garden ponds, backyard fish ponds, and small man-made water features.
  • Commercial Water Features – Fountains found in plazas, hotel landscapes, golf courses, and public parks.
  • Natural Ponds & Local Lakes – Community parks, forest edges, and rural properties.
  • Municipal Stormwater Ponds – These bodies of water are often located near residential complexes.

Why Do Raccoons Target Ponds & Water Features?

  • Ponds typically offer a variety of foods for raccoons (fish, frogs, and aquatic insects).
  • Ponds allow easy access to drinking water and for washing food.
  • Shelter and cover often accompany water features (trees, shrubs, and sheds).
  • Seasonal patterns – ponds or pools are particularly popular in warmer months.

What Damage Can Raccoons Cause?

  • Fish loss and damaged aquatic plants;
  • Contaminated water from droppings and debris or saliva of a rabies infected raccoon;
  • Damaged pool or pond liners and landscaping;
  • Aggressive encounters with pets.

DIY Raccoon Control for Your Ponds and Water Features

Wondering how to keep raccoons out of backyard ponds, fountains, and other water features? The bad news is that there are no truly effective barriers or deterrents. Trapping and relocation or permanent raccoon removal are really the only option.

Physical Barriers

  • Low-Voltage Electric Fencing: A low-cost, low-voltage electric fence, placed a few inches above the ground, can acts as deterrent. Consult with your local hardware or feed store.

Sensory Deterrents

  • Motion-Activated Sprinklers: The sudden spray and noise can be effective for a few days - until raccoons have gotten used to them and realize that sprinklers are harmless.

  • Motion-Activated Lights: Raccoons prefer the dark and a sudden, bright light can disorient and scare them away. Again, this is temporary at best. Raccoons are highly intelligent and quickly learn that there is no actual danger.

  • High-Frequency Sonic Repellents: Devices that emit sounds inaudible to humans may be irritating to pests. And again, raccoons will learn to studiously ignore such sounds.

Habitat and Food Management

  • The Don't Feed Rule: IIf you want to get rid of raccoons around pools or any outside area, it is of utmost importance that you do not leave pet food outside and ensure that garbage cans are securely sealed. Consider a fence around your vegetable garden and pick up any fallen fruit from your orchard.

  • For Public Areas: Community members are encouraged to coordinate with park authorities, condo boards, or commercial property managers to ensure a consistent "no feeding" policy.

Read more: How to Get Rid of Raccoons in Backyard Ponds and Local Water Features

 

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