Birds are amazing creatures no matter their size or species. While we respect wildlife, it’s the large raptors that really peak our admiration. If you’ve ever watched a hawk in action, darting through the air like a fighter jet, you’ll know what we mean. But what happens when this agile apex predator of the skies gets into your building?
(For the purposes of this article, we will focus on hawks. While other large raptors like eagles and ospreys can be a problem, they are much less likely to cause the type of problems we solve in North America.)
The 5-Step Process of Hawk Removal
Don’t panic!
Because they are effective hunters, hawks can intimidate people who fear the birds will panic and attack bystanders. Much like larger dog breeds that some people fear, hawks will not attack people unless they are immediately threatened. Unlike other birds, hawks are large and create more noise.
For a Meridian Bird Removal Technician, capturing and removing a hawk is not much different than the process for other birds. But we recognize the impact on customers is huge. That’s why we emphasize having a plan to deal with bird incursions, including hawks. Setting a course of action before there’s a problem helps everyone keep a level head.
Educate
Most hawk species in North America are protected species, so you need to contact a company trained and authorized to handle them properly (like Meridian).
Notify Meridian immediately
Your staff should recognize hawks require a different process from other birds. While nuisance birds like sparrows and starlings may not be an urgent problem, the presence of a hawk should trigger an immediate call to the person accountable for bird issues at your facility, who should then contact us as soon as possible.
Observe and report
When you call us, we’ll need to know where and when the hawk entered the building, if possible. Unlike nuisance birds like sparrows, no hawk wants to be inside your building. Their meals (namely, those little nuisance birds) are outside, flying around. When hawks do fly into your facility, it’s usually in pursuit of prey.
If the hawk came in through a large opening (such as a dock door), leave it open if the hawk can easily find its way back out. If the hawk finds its way out, immediately close the door.
Meridian offers a full facility inspection in order to find and fix any problem areas in your facility. We know how to get a hawk out of a warehouse!
Stay calm
While waiting for us to arrive, reassure customers and staff. While a trapped hawk may seem dangerous, they will not attack people unless they perceive a threat. Do not approach or disturb the bird and keep people away.
Once Meridian arrives, we will use our patented capture system to catch and release the hawk. Our system and process have specialized enhancements for hawks and other large birds of prey. Our goal, as always, is to focus on how to get a hawk out of a building and make your building safe for people while protecting these magnificent hunters.
Amazing Facts About Hawks
- While hawks mostly hunt small mammals, they also eat birds, insects, and reptiles. They will also attack a medium-sized mammal if the opportunity arises. If food is scarce, they will also eat carrion.
- While most hawks have been observed drinking, some hawks (including Red-tailed hawks) get a good portion of their water consumption from their prey.
- Hawks have a nictitating membrane – a clear “third eyelid” similar to what reptiles have. This protects their eyes while diving and hunting.
- Speaking of diving, hawks and their relatives are the speed champions of the animal world, achieving speeds above 120 miles per hour during a dive.
As we mentioned, it’s best to have a plan ahead of time. When a hawk gets inside your building, you won’t have time to formulate a course of action. Meridian can help. Contact us for an assessment of your needs. We’re always willing and ready to talk hawks (and other birds).