Robotic falcons get gulls into a flap

IT’S part-bird, part-machine but all cop. Robop, a small East Lothian firm that makes robotic falcons to scare off other birds, has saved heavy vehicle company Caterpillar thousands of pounds after one of its factories in County Durham developed a costly problem with nesting seagulls.

Caterpillar has become one of Robop’s latest customers after 200 gulls caused havoc at its Peterlee plant, resulting in several days of lost production last year and a maintenance bill of £40,000 to £50,000.

The gulls would descend upon the plant’s vast 320,000 sq m roof twice a year to nest, but the debris would block gutters, causing flooding when it rained.

Tony Whittle, senior facility manager at Caterpillar Peterlee, said he tried various other humane ways of deterring the birds, but nothing seemed to do the trick until he spotted an advert for Robop, whose robotic peregrine falcons have finally solved the problem that has persisted for 12 years.

The solar-powered robotic birds, which were invented by Scots entrepreneurs Bob McIntyre and Alan Davie, flap their wings, shake their heads and are able to produce four different peregrine falcon calls.

“We have set up a maintenance contract with Robop and I’ve recommended this to our facilities around the UK,” said Whittle.

John Donald, managing director of Robop, said the small firm has shipped the birds to clients in 15 countries.

Other customers include Schipol airport in Amsterdam and Scottish Widows.