Oak Harbor council approves falconer pilot to deter nuisance birds downtown

Oak Harbor’s City Council on Feb. 17 authorized a pilot bird-deterrence program that will deploy a licensed falconer downtown during the March–July 2026 peak season. Council approved a professional services agreement with Sky Patrol Bird Services LLC not to exceed $35,000, with staff directing complementary in-house work on solid-waste cleanliness, business coordination and stormwater monitoring.

Public Works Director Steve Schueller told the council the program uses trained raptors as a humane, nonlethal deterrent that prompts nuisance birds to relocate by reintroducing a natural predator presence. Schueller said the city estimates about $640 per day for falconer services and that funding is available within existing Public Works budgets and will be shared among solid waste, stormwater and streets.

“Together, these create lasting change,” Schueller said, describing the pilot as an operational approach paired with business outreach to address food attractants and rooftop access. He said the city will evaluate bird activity, cleanliness of public spaces, feedback from businesses and cost-effectiveness and will return to council with recommendations on whether to continue or modify the program.

Council discussion covered the pilot’s geography (downtown waterfront up to roughly 8th Street and along key commercial corridors), timing and whether the seasonal window should extend into August or September. A councilmember noted federal protections and asked staff to confirm constraints under the Migratory Bird Act. Members also emphasized public education, including signage discouraging people from feeding birds.

One councilmember disclosed a downtown business interest and said they would abstain from the vote; the motion passed with six yeses and one abstention. Council directed staff to implement the pilot and report back with findings and recommendations on continuation or changes.

Next steps: the pilot is scheduled to begin in March 2026; staff will monitor outcomes and return to council with a summary report after the pilot.