Can RoboHawk solve NYCs pigeon problem?
From its perch, the bird of prey shakes its head from left to right, flaps its wings and bellows its call. While it may look and sound real to pigeons, it’s not. Robotic hawks are increasingly being deployed on corporation campuses and at airports around the world as a humane deterrent for unwanted birds. And they could be one weapon for driving pigeons from New York City sidewalks. “I don’t want to say it’s a panacea for all problems,” said John Donald, managing director of Robop Limited, which manufactures mechanical hawks. “It can certainly reduce the numbers.” The idea of using robotic hawks in New York was floated last fall in Councilman Simcha Felder’s report about what he views as a citywide pigeon problem. Felder (D-Brooklyn) is proposing a bill that would fine people $1,000 for feeding the birds and would create a “pigeon czar” to be responsible for pigeon-related matters, such as cleanup. He expects a council hearing on the legislation, which is still being drafted, to be hel
