Kite will watch bird pests like a hawk

A BID to prevent pigeons and seagulls nesting in a Yorkshire cricket ground’s stands will see a kite flown to mimic a bird of prey to ward off the unwanted arrivals.

The hawk-shaped kite has been erected on a pole to frighten off the birds and deter them from nesting on the north stand of Scarborough Cricket Ground.

Using methods to scare off birds often employed by farmers to protect their crops, the kite swoops, dives and climbs in the wind, appearing to fly like a real hawk.

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Scarborough Borough Council officers have erected the kite in the hope that it will exploit the natural fear many species of birds have of predators to prevent them building nests in the stands.

The council’s health and community safety manager, Steve Pogson, said: “The council is always willing to try new techniques to resolve the seagull and pigeon infestations of the town from causing damage to buildings and a nuisance to people and their property.

“The hawk kite is being used on a trial basis for a couple of weeks to see if it does stop the birds nesting at this location. We hope it will prove successful so we can use this method elsewhere in the borough.”