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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.

 

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How to Get Rid of Raccoons in Greenhouses

Winters in Southern Ontario can be harsh and long. In order to survive, our local wildlife often moves closer to people’s homes and businesses and backyard or commercial structures such as greenhouses. Animals like raccoons seek out shelter, warmth, and food and all of that can be found in residential backyard greenhouses, commercial agricultural greenhouses and nurseries, as well as community or educational garden structures.

The negative and often costly impacts of raccoons invading greenhouses include crop destruction (especially fruits and plants), feces contamination, and structural damage. That’s why wildlife control for greenhouses is so crucial and permanent raccoon removal for horticultural facilities is something that should strongly be considered.

Why Greenhouses Are Raccoon Magnets

  • Guaranteed Climate and Shelter
    Greenhouses are kept warm and humid year-round, thus offering an ideal refuge from freezing winter temperatures and wind.

  • Abundant, Accessible Food
    Raccoons are attracted by soft, ripe produce (tomatoes, peppers, berries), potting soil amendments (bone meal, organic fertilizer), and rodent populations thriving on seeds/spills. And then there's garbage or compost bins - those are also very applealiong.

  • Constant Water Source
    Irrigation systems, condensate lines, and humidity trays provide easily accessible fresh water, a critical raccoon attractant, especially during dry seasons.

How Raccoons Enter Greenhouses

  • Plastic/Fabric Cover or Vents
    Raccoons easily tear through the light plastic or screen mesh used on the outer layer of a backyard greenhouse or automated roof or side wall vents.

  • Sliding Door Gaps
    Cold and desperate raccoons exploit worn or damaged seals on large sliding doors used for vehicle/equipment access.

  • Utility/Pipe Tunnels
    They can enter through unsecured maintenance tunnels or gaps where main water lines or heating pipes penetrate the foundation.

Signs of Raccoon Presence in the Greenhouse

While a slew of small critters are likely to camp out in your greenhouse for the winter, the scope and size of damage you're seeing should give you a good idea of the type of animal sharing your space.

  • Disturbed soil, torn plant roots, missing produce.
  • Nocturnal noises or tracks near entry flaps.
  • Droppings, foul odour, or insulation shredded for nesting.

Overall, the signs of a raccoon infestation in your greenhouse are similar to those you would look for in your home. Have a look here: https://www.hawkeye.ca/blog/10-tell-tale-signs-you-have-a-raccoon-in-your-home.

Critical Risks of Raccoon Infestation in Greenhouses

Crop Contamination and Financial Loss

Raccoons claw and bite through high-value crops, causing direct product spoilage. Contaminated produce often mandates the disposal of entire rows or benches of plants due to the presence of feces/urine and the risk of rabies transferred by an infected  animal's saliva.

Climate Control Failure

Raccoons nesting near heating elements, fans, or control panels can chew wiring or block airflow, leading to HVAC or ventilation failure. This leads to the risk of overheating, freezing, or improper humidity control, potentially destroying not only the equipment, but also the entire growing environment.

Structure Compromise (Glass/Plastic)

Raccoons scratch and tear the plastic sheeting or seals around glass panes, compromising the greenhouse's thermal envelope. This leads to massive heat loss, increased utility bills, and exposure of the interior to weather.

Regulatory & Liability Exposure

The presence of raccoon feces in a food-producing environment is an immediate health inspection failure (Canadian Food Inspection Agency/local health unit), risking shutdown, fines, and the imposition of strict biohazard cleanup requirements.

How to Keep Raccoons Out of a Greenhouse

  • Inspect and reinforce your structure's integrity before winter.
  • Use heavy-duty mesh or wire to seal ventilation openings.
  • Keep compost and garbage sealed tightly and away from the structure.
  • Install automatic lighting or motion sensors to alert you to movement.
  • Maintain a clean perimeter—remove all fallen fruits, pet food, or debris.
  • Make use of natural deterrents such as strong-scented herbs.

Read more: How to Get Rid of Raccoons in Greenhouses

 

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

Durham Region
Central Ontario