The BMO Soccer field had some aerial excitement before the matches started. A nest of Peregrine Falcons was located above the stands. There were four hatchlings learning to fly as the crews worked to prepare the stadium. I wouldn't want to be buzzed by one of those parents. It was bad enough last year with a Redwing nest beside the driveway, and I had to use an umbrella to get to the car.
There have been peregrines nesting at the stadium in the past so this isn't a new experience, just one with difficult timing given the FIFA games. The birds had fledged before the start of the games so there was no direct game conflict.
Add to that, there's a resident hawk at the BMO Field and it has the job of warding off seagulls attracted to the stadium. The bird flies in during the pre-game ceremonies and goes to its overlook position before kickoff. The bird has the lamentable name of Bitchy.
There are a number of North American stadiums that have trained hawks that perform on the day of matches, and there are stadiums that have working falcons and hawks as pest control. It is those nuisance gulls and geese that need clearing. In the UK, they have to clear out the local pigeons.
The Spring hawk count happens in Grimsby each year around Easter. Aren't you shocked by the size of an eagle up close?
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