A new member of staff is helping to keep London Euston clean – and he has feathers.
Oscar, a Harris hawk, has officially joined the team at Euston Station to deter pigeons from nesting and feeding in areas used by passengers. He will now visit the station once a week over the next few months, patrolling different areas with his handler to encourage the birds to move on.
Pigeons have become a regular problem at Euston, often roosting and causing mess in public spaces. Oscar offers a humane solution – he doesn’t harm the pigeons but naturally deters them simply by flying overhead. His presence alone helps create a less inviting environment for them.
This week marked Oscar’s first official flight at the station following some familiarisation training. His patrols will vary in time and location to give the pigeons the impression that a bird of prey lives at the station, discouraging them from returning.
Matt Ferguson, senior station interface manager for London Euston, said: “We’re always looking for innovative ways to improve the station environment for our passengers, and Oscar is already proving to be a valuable member of the team.
“While he’s visited Euston before, this marks his first official flight and the early results are really encouraging! We’ve already seen a noticeable drop in pigeon activity, helping us keep the station cleaner and more welcoming for everyone.”
Oscar’s handler, falconer Adel Letchford, added: “Oscar has taken to Euston like a pro: cool, calm, and already ruffling a few pigeon feathers. It’s brilliant to see how quickly he’s made an impact, the pigeons are definitely getting the message and passengers seem to love spotting him on patrol!”
Sam Omojola, facilities manager at Mitie Transport Cleaning & Hygiene Services, said:“At Mitie, we’re always looking for smart, sustainable ways to maintain clean and welcoming spaces. Introducing Oscar the hawk at Euston station is a natural and humane method to help manage the pigeon population, which can cause both cleanliness and safety issues. This innovative solution supports our commitment to keeping Euston spotless and reminds pigeons that it might be time to find a new perch!”
Oscar’s work has already made an impact, with staff noticing a visible drop in pigeon numbers. Keep an eye out for him next time you’re passing through Euston.
Chris Mitchell is the founder and editor of Harrow Online, Harrow’s leading local news platform.
He launched Harrow Online in 2010 as a Facebook page sharing local news and information. Since then, it has grown into a trusted source for breaking news, crime, council decisions, planning, transport, business and community stories across the borough.
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