The service will combine falconry techniques with the manual removal of potential nests. The main action will involve deterrent flights by specialized birds of prey, with a minimum of 70 and a maximum of 100 sessions per year, each lasting at least 45 minutes. The schedule must ensure that there are no long periods of inactivity, with at least one flight per week, and the sessions will be spread across different days and time slots to prevent the pigeons from becoming accustomed to the presence of the birds of prey.
In addition, the flight schedule will be agreed with the Culture Department and may include intensive campaigns at specific times of the year, such as during the migration of wood pigeons. The contract also includes at least five annual sessions at night or close to the birds’ resting period, with the aim of increasing the deterrent effect and making it more difficult for populations to become established.
OBJECTIVE: PREVENT NESTING
Falconry will be reinforced by visual inspections of the facilities every two months to locate nests, both in their early stages and once they are fully formed. These checks will pay particular attention to mating and breeding periods, especially between March and September and during November, in order to also detect behavior that could signal new nesting activity.
When a nest is found, the successful bidder must remove it through the access points provided at the museum and use approved personal fall-protection equipment whenever work at height is required. The aim will be to prevent the birds from settling temporarily or permanently on the premises and to protect the archaeological remains and museum facilities.
The contract requires the work to be carried out by qualified personnel with specific training in falconry. At least one falconer must take part and hold the permits required by law, including authorization from Inaga to keep birds of prey and a hunting license or equivalent. The birds of prey must be registered in the Aragon Bird of Prey Register, have the relevant health certificate, and the service must hold CEPA European certification for pest control management systems.
