Frequently Asked Questions

What Kind of Falcons Does TAP Fly ? 

 TAP primarily flies saker falcons from Asia and barbary falcons from Africa. It’s unlawful to use native migratory birds in California for business except on airfields. Jim breeds Harris hawks and goshawks in captivity for licensed falconers and zoos. 

Do TAP’s Falcons Kill Pest Birds? 

TAP adheres to a no-kill policy. On the rare occasion that one of the patrolling falcons captures a pigeon, Jim takes every effort to spare the life of the pigeon and release it. If this is not practical, he removes the two birds to a private area where he trades the falcon quail meat for the pigeon. Jim feeds his falcons quail that have been raised for human consumption. 

How Are Falcons Trained for Bird Abatement? 

When our falcon chases a pigeon, she gets rewarded by being called to the lure. A falconer’s lure works like tossing a ball for a dog. We also reward with food for correct behavior. Emotional rewards and negative reinforcement that folks use to train pets do not work with hawks and falcons. Hawks and falcons have no innate desire to be with humans. 

Can TAP’s Falcons Fly Away? 

Our falcons can take off any time they’re flying. They can fly hundreds of miles away and survive well in the wild. The falcon chooses to come back every time it leaves the fist. We provide food, a warm home (mew) and safety. Good falconers are good watchers—very sensitive to everything the bird does. Training alone does not make a good falconer. Falconers have to have something that allows them to understand the bird's smallest movement and change in appearance and respond to its needs very quickly. 

Is It Necessary to Hood the Falcons? 

Hoods have been used since beginning of falconry. A 7000-year-old Chinese tapestry depicts a hooded falcon. Falcons have tremendous powers of sight. They can identify a golf tee from 2 miles away. Distractions are hard on falcons and hoods are used to keep them calm when in transit and before and after work. Abatement birds know it’s time to work when the hood comes off. They come back, get fed, hooded and relax after the job. Our falcons are only hooded for about an hour a day. Since our falcons can be hunted by native birds of prey, the hood helps them feel safe. 

Are there any other firms like Tactical Avian Predators? 

To the best of our knowledge, only six companies in California are licensed for pest bird abatement by falconry.