MBTA looks into using falcons to clear pigeons from stations
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A falcon chicks receive veterinary care in Düzce, Turkey, 5,000 miles from the poopy tile floors of the MBTA. Photo: Omer Urer/Anadolu via Getty Images
The MBTA thinks one way to stop pigeons from pooping all over the stations is to have trained birds of prey ready to swoop in and regulate.
Why it matters: Poo-covered subway stations like Tufts Medical and JFK/UMass could get raptor bouncers to keep the pigeons in line.
- The T is asking falconry companies how raptors could help keep birds out of a system with more than 200 rapid transit and commuter rail stations.
The big picture: The agency says bird waste can spread disease, damage infrastructure and create unsanitary conditions for riders and employees.
Threat level: Potential targets include pigeons, seagulls and starlings.
- The T's current defenses against the winged rats are mostly just netting and spikes.
- A pigeon-trapping pilot is also under way at maintenance sites.
State of play: A formal request for information was posted on the state's contractor portal Aug. 19, with responses due Sept. 11.
- A T spokesperson told Streetsblog Massachusetts there has been interest and a formal request for proposals for a pilot could come next.
The T is asking raptor providers how a program would differ across four key sites — presumably the poopiest spots on the system:
- JFK/UMass, a key Dorchester Red Line station with an open-air platform.
- Tufts Medical Center, the downtown Orange and Silver Line junction with an indoor platform.
- The Southampton and Charlestown maintenance campuses.
The T wants to know how often falconers should visit stations, for how long and at what times.
- The agency is also asking how frequently nuisance birds would return once raptors are on the scene.
- There are open questions on whether existing netting and traps could endanger the raptors and how crowds, noise, scents, sharp objects and birds that get indoors could affect the work.
Between the lines: The document doesn't promise a full pilot program, but says the responses will inform whether to pursue one, and the request doesn't commit the T to anything right now.