Hawks Employed to Deter Seagulls at The Open Championship in Portrush

In an innovative blend of nature and sport, the 2025 Open Championship at Royal Portrush has enlisted the help of Harris hawks to manage the aggressive seagull population that typically plagues large outdoor events. This initiative, implemented by the tournament organizers, aims to ensure that spectators can enjoy their food without the interference of hungry gulls.

The decision to bring in these birds of prey comes as part of a broader effort to enhance the spectator experience during one of the largest sporting events held in Northern Ireland. David Trenier, a falconer from Clear Skies Falconry Pest Control, stated, "The hawks are very sociable, used to working with large crowds, and are big enough to spook the gulls away." Since the tournament began on Sunday, four hawks—Aurora, Belle, Caine, and Cheyenne—have been patrolling the skies from morning until night, rotating in shifts to maintain effective coverage over the food areas.

Located on the picturesque north Antrim coast, Royal Portrush is a known habitat for seagulls, which can exhibit aggressive behavior when food is present. Trenier emphasized that the hawks effectively deter the gulls, making it a "clean and green method of pest control." This approach to managing wildlife at sporting events is not new; similar methods have been employed at previous Open Championships at Troon and St Andrews, as well as at Wimbledon, where an American Harris hawk named Rufus has been successfully scaring off pigeons for over 15 years.

The presence of these hawks has not only proven effective but has also captivated the audience. Trenier remarked on the positive public reaction, noting that many spectators, especially children, express a keen interest in the birds and often request to take pictures with them. This year, the team will also feature Pilgrim, a 24-year-old bald eagle, reinforcing the connection to the large American golfing contingent participating in the event.

With over 275,000 spectators expected over the eight-day tournament, the use of hawks represents a unique intersection of wildlife management and hospitality in sports. The success of this initiative may inspire other events to consider similar ecological approaches to pest control in the future. As the tournament unfolds, the effectiveness of the hawks in maintaining a pleasant environment for golf fans will be closely observed, potentially shaping how large-scale events manage wildlife interactions moving forward.