Boston mass transit authorities flap around for solution to pigeon menace
Summary
Boston’s public transit system, the MBTA, is looking at ways to manage its large pigeon problem, including using trained birds like falcons to scare pigeons away. They asked experts for information about such bird-based programs but have not yet decided to start one.Key Facts
- The MBTA has a big problem with pigeons and their droppings at stations.
- Pigeon droppings can cause health issues, damage infrastructure, and create dirty conditions.
- The MBTA currently uses netting, spikes, and pigeon traps to control pigeons.
- They issued a request for information (RFI) from falconry experts to explore using birds of prey to scare pigeons.
- This RFI asked questions about the best birds to use, frequency and timing of visits, and other details.
- The RFI deadline was September 11, and the MBTA is reviewing responses.
- The MBTA has not yet committed to starting a bird-of-prey pilot program.
- Other transit systems, like San Francisco’s BART, successfully use trained hawks to control pigeons.
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