Theory of operation
Robop is designed to be an extremely effective method of moving pigeons and gulls because it utilises the birds inherent fear of Falco Peregrinus, the Peregrine Falcon.
Peregrine falcons feed on a wide variety of birds. More than two hundred species are known to have been killed. Birds are normally killed while in flight but may also be attacked on the ground. A falcon kills by descending on the target bird at great speed. This is called a stoop. During a stoop the falcon achieves a speed in excess on 100 miles per hour. Attacks occur with such speed and surprise that birds go on full alert as soon as a peregrine is spotted. Many species, such as gulls have a specific alarm call to alert their fellows who will tend to flock together and fly off.
Peregrine falcons feed on a wide variety of birds. More than two hundred species are known to have been killed. Birds are normally killed while in flight but may also be attacked on the ground. A falcon kills by descending on the target bird at great speed. This is called a stoop. During a stoop the falcon achieves a speed in excess on 100 miles per hour. Attacks occur with such speed and surprise that birds go on full alert as soon as a peregrine is spotted. Many species, such as gulls have a specific alarm call to alert their fellows who will tend to flock together and fly off.
Robop has been designed to look, move and sound like a real peregrine falcon in order to cause the same reaction as the real bird. Our objective is to firstly cause a panic reaction so that the pest birds will fly away. Secondly, we want to convey to birds that a peregrine falcon has taken up residence in their territory, so there is no point in returning.
Extensive tests in a wide variety of situations has proved conclusively that birds react to Robop exactly as they would when faced with a real peregrine falcon. Indeed, in some cases, so convinced have the gulls been that they have mounted a mass attack on Robop smashing the head with repeated blows.
