Oak Harbor council unveils falconry pilot to deter nuisance birds downtown

Oak Harbor officials announced a pilot falconry program to reduce nuisance birds in the downtown waterfront area.

Cole Surroad of Sky Patrol Bird Services presented the plan and introduced Mantis, a Harris’s hawk that will be used as a visual and behavioral deterrent. The city said the pilot will operate in coordination with downtown businesses along the waterfront corridor from Southwest Erie Street to Southeast Midway Boulevard.

Council members framed the measure as a non-lethal, targeted response to bird-related nuisance complaints that have affected public spaces and nearby businesses. “Sky Patrol will be working with local businesses in downtown Oak Harbor near and near the waterfront,” officials said when introducing the program; the council noted the program would be staged as a pilot so staff and business owners can evaluate results.

The mayor’s office said more details about timing and any required permits or monitoring plans will be provided as staff and Sky Patrol finalize arrangements. The council encouraged downtown merchants and the public to watch local coverage of the program and to raise concerns or questions through city channels.

The pilot was described as a coordination effort between the city and a private wildlife services firm; no formal ordinance or council vote creating a permanent program was recorded during the meeting. The City said it will provide updates as the pilot proceeds and work with businesses to assess effectiveness and next steps.