MBTA Sought Falconers for Bird Removal

The transit authority has initiated talks to hire falconers to clear birds from Massachusetts facilities.

Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Bird Watching

Live Poll

Do you support the use of falconers to clear nuisance birds from your local transit stations?

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority has announced plans to consult with professional falconers. The agency aims to remove pigeons, seagulls, and starlings from various transit facilities.

Why it matters

The MBTA is exploring non-traditional wildlife management strategies to address long-standing issues with avian presence. This approach targets persistent bird populations that have frequented transit stations for years.

The MBTA initiative targets pigeons, seagulls, and starlings within its facilities. These birds have historically utilized transit trolleys for transport, requiring specialized intervention to clear the spaces.

The players

Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority

The MBTA is the public agency responsible for operating transit services, including subway, bus, and commuter rail lines, across the state of Massachusetts.

The details

The MBTA intends to bring hawks into transit facilities to drive away nuisance birds. Hawks have historically frequented these locations, and the authority believes utilizing falconry could prove effective for population control.

September 2026: The MBTA expressed its interest in hiring falconers for bird removal services.

Culture Shift

This move reflects a growing trend of using nature-based solutions for urban facility management. It marks a departure from traditional pest control methods in favor of ecological strategies that have been implemented elsewhere in the state.

Commuters may notice professional falconers or birds of prey working within transit stations as the program is implemented. These changes aim to improve the cleanliness and bird-free status of public waiting areas.

The takeaway

Using raptors to manage urban wildlife populations represents a shift in how transit authorities approach facility maintenance. Residents should be prepared to encounter non-traditional animal handlers in public transit hubs as these trials progress.