MNBP Launches Pilot Project to Deter Geese at Lion’s Head Beach

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Photo: Aura, a six year old Harris’s Hawk, with her handler Michael Thibert from Imperial Falconry Services Inc.
By Joanne Rodgers, Bruce Peninsula Press

Michael Thibert and his birds have been hired to deter geese and gulls from the Lion’s Head Marina and Beach area. The team expects to visit the marina/beach area until the first week of December. Currently they come to the area about three times a week, spending between four to five hours, encouraging the geese/gulls to move out. Michael says a deterrent is conditioning the geese and gulls to the presence of birds of prey so that they stay away. However the team does not chase away the ducks.

Michael is based in Tara and operates Imperial Falconry Services Inc.. and has two Grey falcons, 6 hawks and 1 owl. His largest client is Bruce Power, but he hopes to branch out to smaller operators such as marinas.

Michael and Aura were welcoming to the curious locals and Michael willingly shared educational information on his birds and their activities.