Hawk puts pigeons to flight in Whitecross Street

One of London's oldest street markets is being kept free of nuisance pigeons thanks to a new feathered friend.

Whitecross Street, EC1, is home to a thriving market, run by Islington Council, and busy shops and cafes.

And now it also boasts its own hawk to keep the pigeon population under control, without harming any birds.

Hazel the hawk, funded by EC1 New Deal for Communities, has been visiting since December.

Whitecross Street is thought to be the first market in London to have a hawk patrol of this kind.

Cllr Greg Foxsmith, Islington Council's Executive Member for Environment, said:

"Whitecross Street is very popular with workers and residents, and does attract a few pigeons as well. This is a great answer to the problem - green, clean and beautiful to watch. I'm very grateful EC1 New Deal have funded this."

Pigeons do not actually live in Whitecross Street, but are attracted from their nests in nearby roads by the thriving food market between 11am and 2pm.

The hawk visits at lunchtime to deter them from visiting the street, and because pigeons are creatures of habit they gradually learn to stay away.

When at work, Hazel takes to the air, follows her trainer down the street and swoops down on occasion to scare the pigeons away. She does not kill or injure the birds.

New litter bins are also being installed in Whitecross Street to help customers dispose of rubbish and food waste from the market.