Raptors To Scare Away Ocean City Seagulls Again In 2020

OCEAN CITY, NJ — Birds will perch themselves again to scare away Ocean City's seagulls this year. A City Council vote Thursday brings Ocean City a step forward in bringing back the same seagull-abatement program as last year, or one similar.

The City contracted East Coast Falcons last August as concerns grew about aggressive seagulls. The program used six or seven hawks, falcons and owls to scare away — but not hurt — the seagulls.

The program cost Ocean City $2,100 per day, which totaled $65,000 overall for its use through Labor Day Weekend. Some members of the public have criticized its cost and brought up environmental concerns.

But officials and much of the public praised the program last summer for its success. Read more: Ocean City Officials Praise Early Seagull Program Results

It is uncertain whether East Coast Falcons will return. City Council voted Thursday to advertise that it is looking for "falconry-based bird abatement" services for its boardwalk and beachfront.

Bid openings are scheduled for March 10, and officials expect to award a contract March 26.

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