What are your thoughts on Falconry Services.
http://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/2011/03/30/councils-axe-bird-of-prey-seagull-deterrent-55578-28426435/As you are probably aware Conwy and Denbighshire Councils have agreed that Falconry Services in both North Wales areas are to be axed. Not forgetting of course that both Councils have been for sometime in each others pockets utilizing the same initiatives and working together in many areas such as Licensing and Public Safety etc. So a difference in opinion between said Councils was never going to be an issue.
"Public protection officers in Conwy and Denbighshire County Councils won’t use the Rhyl firm, claiming it is too costly and ineffective."
Phil Rafferty said ": “
On that basis, and the fact that it is of little or no deterrent, we have decided not to pursue this further."
The scheme was originally instigated after Mr Espley and Robert Davies from Rhyl, witnessed 37 seagull attacks in the town in an hour and a half.
I can't speak for Llandudno as I don't live there but maybe members on here can say if they noticed a decline in Seagull presence or attacks?
Last year Falconry Services patrolled the streets of Conwy and anyone who lives here will tell you that seagulls were deterred. It's also a lot more humane as the Falcons do not kill seagulls they deter them from nesting. Seagulls can cause untold damage to properties. Gulls can create problems by making a great deal of noise and because they are very territorial, this can result in aggressive behaviour towards you and your family - particularly during the breeding season if they're nesting on, or near your home. Businesses in the area suffer when patrons to their outside eating areas are attacked for food and it seems children are their prime targets. Anyone living in a coastal area will tell you of someone who has been attacked by Gulls, I have for one and so was my son, both incidents on Conwy Quay.
Here are a few sites for you to read on Birds of Prey and their function toward nuisance birds such as Gulls.
http://www.effectivebirdcontrol.co.uk/pestcontrol.htmlhttp://www.premierwaste.com/pages/posts/falcons-on-the-landfill40.phphttp://www.nbcbirdandpest.co.uk/Bird-Control.cfmA friend is setting up a facebook page this week to highlight the public's views on the subject, I will post the link here as soon as it's up and running.
Of course we could always challenge Phil Rafferty and his merry men (one in a pram) to walk from Upper Mostyn Street to Bog Island with a bag of Chips and an Ice Cream and see how many times they are attacked by the Seagulls.
The next day I will go and do the same mission with Falconry Services across the road. I Promise I will.
Then they can tell us again the initiative doesn't work!