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.

owl falconry experience toronto book now

Dream of handling a Bird of Prey yourself? Dream no more!

Book your Once-in-a-Life-Time Experience today!


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.

 

Loading...

Request a call-back

How to Keep Raccoons Away from Bird Feeders Permanently

Many homeowners and property managers set up bird feeders to attract songbirds, especially during colder months. Unfortunately, bird feeders are also a major attractant for raccoons—intelligent, nocturnal, opportunistic, and highly adaptable animals.

As temperatures drop, raccoons seek easy food sources, and bird feeders are one of their top winter targets. Let's explore what you can do to get rid of raccoons and keep them out of your feeders in the future. Keep in mind that DIY deterrents and gadgets are rarely all that effective, but Hawkeye Bird & Animal Control offers legal and permanent raccoon removal services in the GTA.

Why Raccoons Are Attracted to Bird Feeders

  • Food Availability
    Spilled seeds and suet provide the high-calorie nutrition that raccoons need to survive the winter. Both black-oil and striped sunflower seeds are among their favorites. On that note, you might also fin squirrel and skunk visitors around your bird feeder.

  • Easy Access
    Raccoons are agile climbers and can easily reach most bird feeders, poles, or decks.

  • Nighttime Feeding
    Unlike birds, raccoons are active at night, so there's no competition around the feeder and the mess you find in the morning may well signal a raccoon visit.

  • Smell and Habits
    Raccoons have an excellent sense of smell that can lead them to your bird feeder. And once they find a reliable food source, they keep returning.

How Raccoons Cause Problems Around Bird Feeders

  • Damage:
    • Bending poles, breaking feeders, and tearing mounts.
    • Damaging nearby deck railings or roof gutters while climbing.

  • Health risks:
    • Droppings on patios and decks contain roundworm and other pathogens.
    • Risk of contamination near outdoor furniture and children’s play areas.

  • Secondary infestation risks:
    • Raccoons attracted to feeders often explore nearby attics, chimneys, and crawl spaces for shelter.
    • Bird feeders act as “gateway attractants” leading to full property infestations.

Recognizing Raccoon Activity Around Your Bird Feeder

  • Feeder emptied overnight.
  • Tracks or muddy paw prints on decks or railings.
  • Torn suet cages or feeder poles bent.
  • Scattered seeds and droppings under the feeder.
  • Noises at night near decks or walls.

Pro Tip: Inspect your feeders early in the morning for signs of nocturnal visitors.

Read more: How to Keep Raccoons Away from Bird Feeders Permanently

 

In Ontario, Hawkeye offers Bird control, Animal control, Wildlife removal services and products in: