Falconer hired to control Redondo Pier pest birds
Members of the Redondo Beach City Council admire Big Al, a Eurasian Eagle Owl and “bird abatement” raptor. The city hired Al’s handlers, On the Wing Falconry, to control pest bird populations at the Redondo Pier. Photo The Redondo Beach City Council approved the use of raptors to help control pest bird populations around the Redondo Pier, authorizing the spending of up to $70,000 to hire Rocky Post and On the Wing to perform “falconry-based bird abatement.” The presence of Big Al, a Eurasian Eagle Owl, in council chambers Tuesday night certainly didn’t hurt the falconer’s chances of getting the gig. Kincaid’s general manager Reggie Thomas told the council that the pest control issue is crucial at the pier. “I can give you some recent numbers — I spend, on average, about $3,000 a month buying new dishes,” Thomas said. “I lose, probably, $150 to $300 a month in bird-related breakage or theft.” Yes, theft. Seagulls, Thomas says, have oftentimes throughout the years taken napkins, silverware and other small items directly from the tables of Kincaid’s. “Over in the rocks [of Horseshoe Beach], there’s probably almost 17 years worth of small items,” Thomas said. Thomas also blames the…
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