Meet Rufus the hawk on seagull patrol at a city boat show
Yes, "Rufus the hawk will be keeping skies seagull free at this year's Southampton boat show on the city's waterfront. The city's boat show has hired a hawk to protect visitors at the waterfront event from chip-stealing seagulls.
Rufus, an American Harris hawk, is being brought in to deter the birds at the Southampton International Boat Show.
The bird of prey is also used at Wimbledon where he is on pigeon patrol - stopping them eating the grass on the courts.
Named 'Head of Seagull Security' by the show's organisers he will be on duty on the first Saturday of the 10-day show. The boat show usually attracts more than 100,000 visitors to Southampton's waterfront.
The show's organisers said they had brought Rufus in to create a "safe chip zone" where visitors can enjoy their food in peace.
Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal is set to visit the show on its opening day.
The Southampton International Boat Show at Mayflower Park runs from Friday 13 - Sunday 22 September 2024."
All the best Jan
That's a cool plan. Some airports have resident dogs that chase birds off runways to diminish birds flying into plane engines. Linda in Kansas
ReplyDeleteThat is so interesting! That hawk has to be very well trained to do that and not fly away.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great way to keep pesky sea gulls and pidgins at bay.
ReplyDeleteI did enjoy it...
ReplyDeleteHooray for Rufus - though I am a bit surprised that they chose to import a hawk.
ReplyDeleteLindo halcón. Te mando un beso.
ReplyDeleteVery interesting indeed.
ReplyDeleteThat is so interesting. I went on to read more about Rufus!
ReplyDeleteLove this. Xx
ReplyDeleteOh my how wonderful is that to have a large bird on patrol.
ReplyDeleteHope all goes well.
When you talk of chips I presume you mean the kind you get from the fish shop as in fish n chips?
I hope Rufus proves to be a good deterrent. It's years since we went to the Boat Show.
ReplyDeleteReply to Margaret D who asked ...
ReplyDeleteWhen you talk of chips I presume you mean the kind you get from the fish shop as in fish n chips?
Yes :)
All the best Jan
What an interesting job for Rufus the hawk!
ReplyDeleteTake care, enjoy your day!
That is a sleek statue!
ReplyDeleteWonderful photo of Rufus. How do you do Jan ?
ReplyDeleteI like those birds that do their job very well to control the population of pigeons, turtledoves and others that flood our parks and gardens, in my area we also have a pair of kestrels for it.
ReplyDeleteBest regards
They need a Rufus at Ogunquit Beach
ReplyDeleteHe is a stunner. I am sure he will keep the seagulls aways for the event :-D
ReplyDeleteWe need a Rufus here at the Rhein, the seagulls steal our food all the time. Valerie
ReplyDeleteRufus is almost ~ great photo ~
ReplyDeleteWishing you good health, laughter and love, in your days,
clm ~ A ShutterBug Explores,
aka (A Creative Harbor)
Wow that sounds like a great idea.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading about Rufus.
ReplyDeleteHope you are doing okay Jan.
Tina
What a wonderful story. Thank you for sharing about Rufus.
ReplyDeleteAll hail, RUFUS!!!!!!
ReplyDeletethat is interesting I didn't know they did that to detour other birds from coming around, I wonder how well it works.
ReplyDeleteMuy interesante el tema. Besos.
ReplyDeleteGreat story. I hope Rufus does a good job keeing the seagulls away from the boat show and visitors.
ReplyDelete