Crow Control in the Pearl District – Falconry Abatement Program
Innovative Approach to Addressing the Neighborhood Crow Problem
A Solution to the “Crow Problem” from NWCC’s Executive Director, Chase McPherson
The Challenge: The Crows Shall Return!
Having been part of Downtown Clean and Safe before joining NWCC, I’ve seen firsthand the positive impact that falconry-based bird abatement can have on the community. I’m now reaching beyond NWCC for support and funding to launch a similar program here in the Pearl District—to help us tackle the crow poop problem and keep our neighborhood clean.
About the Abatement Program: Why Falconry Works
Traditional deterrents such as reflective strips, decoys, or noisemakers only provide short-term relief, but crows quickly adapt and return. Falconry-based hazing, however, taps into the innate fear crows have of raptors.
The abatement program we are suggesting is a falconry-based bird hazing program using several falconers and their Harris’s hawks.
When a Harris’s hawk is flown in the area, crows immediately recognize the threat and disperse. Unlike other methods, this one maintains its effectiveness, as the presence of a live raptor is always perceived as a threat.
How the Program Operates
Team Structure: Falconers work with Harris’s hawks to “sweep” primary crow roosting corridors.
On-the-Ground Action: A falconer walks streets while their hawk flies between perches (trees, rooftops, signs).
Crow Response: Crows vocalize, mob the hawk, and ultimately retreat, learning that the Pearl District is not a safe place to roost. This humane and effective method has been shown to keep urban areas cleaner, reduce noise, and create a more pleasant environment for residents and visitors.
Humane and effective: This method has been shown to keep urban areas cleaner, reduce noise, and create a more pleasant environment for residents and visitors.
Learn More & Support
For more than a decade, crows have been gathering throughout the fall and winter to roost in downtown Portland. This roost has been gradually growing over time to the point where today, at its peak, it can exceed 15,000 birds.”
The Downtown Portland Crow Roost, Bird Alliance of Oregon
I’ve seen this program in action, and I know it can transform our neighborhood. While this option will take a financial investment from our community, it has proven success throughout the city, and it is a step towards a real and lasting solution.
I am reaching out to all Pearl District community members—not just NWCC members—for support of the Crow Abatement Program. This is a community-wide issue, and the solution will benefit all of us. Let’s take action together so we can launch the falconry abatement initiative and address this problem effectively.
I look forward to hearing your thoughts,
Chase
Contact me at Chase@nwccpdx.org.
