Euston Station in London has enlisted an unusual but effective new team member to tackle its persistent pigeon problem—a Harris’s hawk named Oscar. The bird of prey has been brought in to deter pigeons from roosting, nesting, and scavenging in passenger areas, offering a humane and natural solution to a long-standing issue.

Network Rail, which manages the station, explained that pigeons have been a nuisance at Euston, often congregating in high-traffic zones where they leave droppings and debris. Traditional deterrents have had limited success, prompting the return of a more natural approach: falconry. Oscar’s role is simple but effective—by flying around the station once a week, his presence alone discourages pigeons from settling in the area.

A Natural and Humane Solution

Unlike more aggressive methods, Oscar does not harm the pigeons. Instead, his predatory presence acts as a psychological deterrent, encouraging them to seek safer locations away from the station. “He doesn’t harm the birds but acts as a natural deterrent,” said a Network Rail spokesperson. The strategy has already shown results, with staff reporting a noticeable decline in pigeon activity since Oscar began his patrols.

The hawk’s flights are scheduled at varying times and locations to maximize their effectiveness. This unpredictability prevents pigeons from becoming accustomed to his presence, ensuring they remain wary of returning.

A Proven Strategy

Using birds of prey to manage urban pigeon populations is not new. Network Rail previously employed a Harris’s hawk named Aria in 2018 to deal with pigeons at Waterloo Station, where the birds were notorious for stealing food from passengers. Similarly, Rufus, an American Harris’s hawk, has served as the official pigeon deterrent at the Wimbledon tennis tournament for the past 17 years—even boasting his own Instagram following.

A Feathered Guardian

Oscar’s handler, falconer Adel Letchford, expressed pride in the hawk’s swift adaptation to his new role. “Oscar has taken to Euston like a pro: cool, calm, and already ruffling a few pigeon feathers,” she said. “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!”

The initiative has also garnered positive reactions from travelers, many of whom enjoy catching a glimpse of the majestic bird during his patrols. While pest control methods often involve traps or chemicals, Euston’s use of a falconry-based approach highlights a growing preference for eco-friendly and non-lethal solutions in urban spaces.

For now, Oscar will continue his weekly flights, ensuring that Euston remains a cleaner and more pleasant environment for passengers—one deterred pigeon at a time.