The most effective means of preventing pigeons from using the site for nesting is with the use of a bird of prey. This is a proven technique that works extremely well by deterring the pigeons from entering the entire area.

The principles involved in using predatory birds as a way of managing nuisance species are essentially very simple, it is to employ the use of a natural deterrent to address a very natural problem.

When considering predatory birds as an option it is first necessary to understand the reasons behind the problem existence. The problems associated with nuisance birds manifest themselves in various ways, however the underlying causes are usually the same. The fundamental elements required for an area to become infested with birds can be divided into three categories i) it has suitable areas for roosting, ii) it has suitable areas for nesting, and iii) it has a suitable source of food.

i) Roosting birds

When birds are using a site as an evening roost only, the predatory bird is introduced to the area to coincide with this roosting. Treatments would usually commence at dusk, and cease at around one hour after dark. Of the three key reasons for infestation this is the easiest to address for the following reasons. The amount of time and work involved is minimal, as birds will only attempt to roost at dusk. Alternative roosting areas are usually to be found easily elsewhere, and birds must find a suitable roost before it becomes too dark. It is therefore fairly easy to persuade them to give up existing roosts and find new alternatives.

ii) Nesting birds

This can present new problems. When birds are nesting on a site they are present all day whilst incubating eggs, or frequently and constantly returning to feed young or construct nests. Work to deter nesting birds is very time consuming; the threat of the predatory bird must be constant. However if approached correctly the results can be very successful, as any birds' desire to breed is very strong, as are it's instinct to protect it's young. Introduce a real threat and they will find an alternative site.

iii) Feeding birds

By far the most difficult of the three situations to address, as birds of all species can become reliant on a single food source. Convincing a bird to give up a food source, which may have been present throughout its entire life, can be very difficult. Birds will often place themselves in situations of great danger to obtain food. The deterrent must be very real, and constantly present whilst the food source is available.

iv) Predatory Birds

When introducing a program of bird management involving predatory birds the fundamental principle is to persuade the nuisance species, in this case the pigeon, that a real threat exists. For this to succeed the Hawk or falcon must make some attempt to catch the "quarry", otherwise the threat ceases to be real. Of course in all but a few exceptional circumstances the "quarry" escapes, however the threat remains real and this technique can be used to interrupt and alter patterns of roosting, feeding and breeding.