Desert Kings Falconry, based in Arizona, uses trained hawks and falcons to deter, catch or relocate certain species of wildlife, mainly pigeons, due to the damage they cause to property and health hazards they pose to humans. The company's owner, Bladen Benson, explains that their method involves over-hunting an area until there is nothing left, and that using trained birds of prey is the most effective method as it mimics what hawks naturally do. The company trains hawks and falcons to follow the light and look up for their prey. The trained birds are used to catch pigeons in places where humans are, such as apartment complexes, to clean up the properties and increase property values. Pigeons, starlings and collared doves are non-migratory birds that take food sources and nesting spaces from native wildlife such as mourning doves, woodpeckers, road runners, Paris hawks and red-tailed hawks. Desert Kings Falconry donates excess pigeons to the Arizona Raptor Center to feed their injured and rehabilitated wildlife. Benson says the Harris Hawk is the most versatile bird used in falconry, as it can be flown in crowds of people, around children and even out of moving cars. The company's falconers also dispatch animals caught by the birds to ensure a humane process.
Learn more: https://www.desertkingsfalconry.com/