Liverpool Uses Robots to Get Tough on Pigeons

I lived in Liverpool for a little over three years, and despite it's reputation for being a dreary, post-industrial wasteland where you're likely to get mugged, the city is a wonderful place -- full of nightlife, beautiful architecture, and great people.

Unfortunately, it's also full of pigeons. Pigeons that get fat and won't leave because they're fed by the public. Pigeons that pooped on me. Fortunately, the problem that has undoubtedly kept tourists from the city for years, is finally being addressed.

Introducing the robotic bird of prey.

These imitation falcons will be stationed in the center of town, perched atop different buildings. Not only do the robots look like a pigeon's natural predator, but they can also squawk and flap their wings to scare off the wing-ed nuisance.

Beyond its unsightly residue, pigeon poop is a serious problem in Liverpool. It makes surfaces slicker, and costs over £160,000 (over $300,000) to clean. That's money that could be spent on more important problems (like stopping people from getting mugged, for instance).

In all seriousness, now is the time to plan your Spring trip to Liverpool. When the sun finally comes out in mid-May, the town comes to life -- street cafes, friendly faces, and cute cobblestone streets to explore. You're a quick ferry ride from Ireland, and a short train journey from the English countryside, which, because of all the rain, is breathtakingly lush.

Plus, now, thanks to the robots, your trip will be bird-poop free!

[via Neatorama]

Filed under: United Kingdom