Galesburg may turn to falcons to address ongoing crow roosting in downtown, following persistent complaints from residents and businesses.
The City Council will review a $54,000 Aviaway Bird Control Services proposal on Monday, deploying seven falcons with handlers for one month in November or December. Falconry avoids chemicals, noise, or machinery, using crows’ fear of falcons to deter roosting in targeted areas, unlike fake owls or noisemakers, said Director of Community Development Steve Gugliotta.
“Crows outsmart static deterrents, but falcons provide unpredictability,” he said.
The Community Development Department contacted five bird abatement / pest control companies and two bird-of-prey nonprofits to explore crow mitigation options.
In 2002, the city hired a Decatur bird repellent company that provided short-term relief. “Other methods, like fake owls, bright lights, and noisemakers, were only temporarily effective because crows are intelligent and adaptable,” Gugliotta said. “Falconry can discourage crows from returning.”
Aviaway recommends scheduling the abatement for November or December, when crows seek food downtown post-harvest. Seven falcons would fly downtown daily.
Funding for the service is available in the Economic Development Fund.