Trained Falcons Keep Birds Out of the Trash

Waste disposal companies are required by law to keep birds away from landfills since birds that eat trash can subsequently pollute nearby water sources. The problem is that automated bird abatement systems such as horns don’t work very well. Seagulls quickly learn that these empty threats are little more than noise.

Dealing with the avian dilemma is good business for Master falconer Joe Suffredini who staffs a crew of 20 eager raptors. Suffredini is part of a small but growing niche of falconers for hire that keep birds away from wine grapes, sunbathing resort tourists and jet airplane turbines.