Bird Control in West Lothian

Working With Trained Harris Hawks, Not Against Nature

A calm, natural presence that restores balance — safely, humanely, and effectively.
We are a fully insured, family-run business based in Livingston, West Lothian, combining a genuine passion for falconry with professional, humane bird control services. Using trained Harris hawks, we help deter gulls, seagulls, pigeons, crows and magpies naturally and effectively, providing reliable bird control for domestic and commercial properties across West Lothian.

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About us

We are a family-run business with a strong commitment to professional bird control using birds of prey. We specialise in bird control for domestic and commercial properties. We also provide bird control services for farms and agricultural land. We provide humane bird control for gulls, pigeons, crows and magpies.

We are friendly, professional and committed to providing a high-quality service. Before any work begins, we offer a free site survey to assess the bird activity and recommend the most effective solution.

Our Harris hawks are among the most widely used birds of prey for professional bird control.

Harris Hawks social nature has been attributed to their intelligence, which makes them easy to train and has made them a popular bird for use in falconry.

Bird Control

Our birds are trained to work in any location indoors and outdoors including town centres, schools, industrial estates, factory car parks and warehouses. In these areas they can control a variety of pests ranging through - pigeons, seagulls, crows and magpies. This humane method is becoming increasingly popular because it provides an effective, environmentally friendly solution to bird control.

The most effective bird control strategy is prevention. It is highly recommended to start the process before the breeding season starts especially when you are experiencing a heavy presence of seagulls, crows, pigeons and magpies. Using a bird of prey in areas where birds are preparing to nest sends a strong natural warning signal, especially to gulls. They are far less likely to nest in a place they associate with danger.

Just remember to start Bird control in time before nesting season!

Timing can increase effectiveness!

Areas We Cover

Locations

Based in Livingston, we provide professional, humane bird control services across our local area in West Lothian, including:

Livingston
Bathgate
Broxburn
Uphall
East Calder
Mid Calder
West Calder
Armadale
Whitburn
Blackburn
Kirknewton

We are also happy to discuss projects in the surrounding areas across Central Scotland.

Properties & Sectors

Our bird control services are suitable for a wide range of locations, including:

Warehouses & Distribution Centres
Industrial Estates & Manufacturing Facilities
Farms & Agricultural Buildings
Schools, Colleges & Universities
Retail Parks & Shopping Centres
Office Buildings & Business Parks
Hotels, Restaurants & Hospitality Venues
Public Buildings
Construction Sites
Car Parks
Residential Properties
Housing Developments
Sports & Leisure Facilities

If you want to be Falconer

To start in falconry, gain practical experience by volunteering, take a course, and find a mentor. Before getting a bird, ensure you have proper housing, such as a mews and a weathering area, as well as the correct equipment. Training involves using food as motivation, maintaining the bird at flying weight, and handling it with calm, confident, and slow movements.

Before You Begin

Gain experience: Volunteer at a raptor rehabilitation center or work with a local falconer to obtain hands-on experience.
Take a course: Enroll in a falconry course to learn the fundamental principles.
Find a mentor: Seek guidance from an experienced local falconer.
Join a club: Connect with your state or regional falconry club for field meets and community support.
Get a license: Obtain the required hunting license to demonstrate commitment and intent.

Housing and Equipment

Housing: Build a mews for shelter and a weathering area with a perch for daytime use. Ensure protection from freezing temperatures to prevent frostbite.
Equipment: A reliable scale for weighing the bird and its food, a suitable leash (paracord or braided types are recommended over large-knot designs), and appropriate clothing.
Food: Secure a consistent supply of suitable food, such as day-old chicks or quail, from a specialized supplier.

Training and Handling

Build trust: Use food to strengthen the relationship, but only when the bird is calm and behaving correctly.
Stay calm: Move slowly and confidently around the bird, particularly inside the mews.
Control weight: Maintain the bird at an appropriate flying weight so it remains motivated to return for food.
Be patient: Remember that the bird is a wild animal adapting to an unfamiliar experience. Patience is essential.
Never fully trust: Always remain prepared for unexpected situations, as conditions can change rapidly.

Bird Selection

Beginner-friendly species: Red-tailed hawks are commonly recommended for beginners due to their adaptability and trainability.
Males vs. females: Both sexes can be used, though females may display more aggressive behavior than males.

History of Falconry

Falconry is a traditional hunting practice that involves pursuing wild game in its natural environment with the help of a specially trained bird of prey.

Today, falconry is still practiced across many regions of the world. Historically, falconers most often worked with Eurasian and American goshawks as well as peregrine falcons. These species remain common in modern falconry in both North America and the United Kingdom, although Harris's hawks and red-tailed hawks are now among the most frequently used birds.

Modern falconry

Becoming involved in falconry requires long-term commitment, theoretical learning, and practical experience. In the United States, prospective falconers are required to complete a written examination and secure the necessary state and federal permits before they may legally keep a bird of prey. Many beginners prepare by learning about regional wildlife regulations, raptor care, and hunting methods. In the United Kingdom, newcomers typically start by assisting at falconry centres or by training under the guidance of an experienced mentor, often through organisations such as the British Falconer's Club. In addition, formal training options are available, including professional falconry courses that offer structured introductions to bird handling, field skills, and conservation principles.