Trafalgar Square's Trained Falcon

I had a close encounter with the Harris Hawk that patrols Trafalgar Square today.

These birds of prey have had a dramatic effect of bringing the transient pigeon population down from 5,000 birds to 1000 birds. Apparently, this method of utilising trained birds of prey is not only environmentally friendly but is appropriate in areas from well known tourist areas to waste depots.

For me it was just a great start to the day to see such a magnificent bird close up.