Trained hawks scare off smaller birds, draw stares in LA
LOS ANGELES — A hawk named Riley soars between high-rises in downtown Los Angeles. Smaller birds take notice. And take flight.
Riley lands on a branch, surveys the concrete jungle below and swoops down to land on the gloved hand of her owner.
Blazer-clad professionals on their way to lunch do double-takes.
Husband-and-wife falconers Alyssa and Mike Bordonaro are “The Hawk Pros,” just one of a number of Southern California bird-abatement businesses. They and their birds of prey are hired guns, brought in to scare away seagulls, pigeons and other “pest birds” that create nuisances and leave behind messes.