St. Andrews’ falcons: The real reason for the birds of prey’s presence at the “Home of Golf”

Falcons may not be a regular part of golf as a global phenomenon, but they are at St. Andrews. The recent edition of the AIG Women’s Open proved that falcons are not only part of the local ecosystem, but also part of the “crew” of the course. This was not always the case, however.

It all began when the presence of seagulls at St. Andrews became unbearable for spectators. These birds became a constant nuisance and it was necessary to go on the offensive to control them. That’s when Elite Falconry came into the picture.

Elite Falconry is a company with expertise in pest control using birds of prey based in Kirkcaldy, Scotland, just north of Edinburgh,that has been working with St. Andrews since 2016. The company uses a variety of birds of prey to deter seagulls from the course, including falcons. This innovative approach has proven effective, ensuring that spectators can enjoy the event without concern.

The Seagull Attack St. Andrews

Due to their proximity to the sea and their tendency to seek out easy food in crowded areas, seagulls have been a constant presence at St. Andrews. In previous years, these birds not only disrupted play with their noise but also attacked spectators, stealing food directly from their hands and causing general chaos.

This behavior was not only annoying, but also unhygienic, with tables and eating areas frequently soiled by bird waste. In response, St. Andrews management sought a definitive solution. This led to the first contract with Elite Falconry eight years ago, which implemented a pest control method that was not only effective, but also respectful of the environment and birds.

Elite Falconry’s Contribution to St. Andrews

Elite Falconry, with its team of birds of prey, has played a pivotal role in addressing the seagull issue in St. Andrews. The deployment of hawks, eagles, and owls has effectively deterred seagulls from key areas of the tournament, including food stalls and stands.

In contrast to other pest control methods, which can be invasive or even harmful, birds of prey simply need to be present to deter seagulls, who instinctively avoid these natural predators.

The success of this strategy has resulted in Elite Falconry being retained for each subsequent edition of the tournament, ensuring that both players and spectators can enjoy a nuisance-free environment.

Why are there seagulls in St. Andrews?

The prevalence of seagulls in St. Andrews can be attributed to the city’s geographical location and the abundance of food sources. Due to the city’s proximity to the sea, these birds utilize it as a resting point during their flights towards the ocean in search of food.

Furthermore, the presence of other birds and the ease with which they can obtain food in busy areas such as the Open makes them a recurring problem. Seagulls, with their aggressive behavior, often scare away other smaller birds, creating an imbalance in the local ecosystem and affecting the biodiversity of the area.

However, the introduction of birds of prey by Elite Falconry has helped to mitigate this impact, restoring some balance to the local birdlife.

Elite Falconry’s success at St. Andrews has not only solved a persistent problem, but has also demonstrated the effectiveness of environmentally friendly pest control methods. This approach has been well-received by tournament organizers and the general public, who have observed a notable decline in issues related to seagulls.

Moreover, St. Andrews’ partnership with Elite Falconry has paved the way for new avenues in pest management at sporting events and other public spaces. As awareness of sustainability and animal welfare continues to expand, we anticipate seeing more initiatives like this in the future, where pest control is managed effectively and ethically.