Luke's birds of prey keep an eagle eye out for golf birdies

KEEPING guard on The Open trophy, Luke with one of his birds of prey

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LUKE Summers really got the bird when he attended the world's most famous golf tournament, The Open.

Because, calmly poised on his right arm, was one of his dynamic birds of prey.

And when the international media were not focussed on tee-by-tee coverage of the legendary golfers, they turned to "The bird man of Birkdale" for interviews and film.

Because Luke (40), from High Crompton, was asked to be Official Falconer at the prestigious event which garnered a TV and radio audience of millions.

For 14 hours each day of the riveting contest, Luke and his feathered guardians diligently protecting the fairways, eating and VIP areas from seagulls and pigeons.

And his Harris Hawk Gin and Jet, the peregrine falcon, soon took the starring roles in their own right.

Luke, secretary of Saddleworth Round Table, said: "I arrived at the course at 6am each day and flew my birds until 7.30am prior to the spectators attending.

"Once the birds were safely back with me I would then spend the remaining 12 hours with Jet or Gin secure to my falconers glove patrolling all areas of the course.

"I met a few of the golfers, but, to be honest, it was quite surreal," he said shyly.

"I was interviewed by BBC Radio 5 Live, Sky Sports News, NBC America, PGA News. And the public were so interested Jet became an instant hit for pictures and selfies."

He added: "My birds of prey are not trained to kill ­- they are trained to deter other birds ­- and Royal Birkdale were pleased to see they scared all the gulls and pigeons away."

Sources

Luke is a bird and pest technician for a top environmental consultancy, Norwich-based NBC.

Their spokesman said: "Gulls moving inland where food sources would be readily available could have caused problems for spectators and players on the course.

"The course could have been subject to large volumes of gulls causing a menace in their mess from droppings and scavenging food.

"Falcons are used for the larger areas and hawks for the more built up areas. The birds of prey act as a natural deterrent to prevent the gulls from remaining in an area where there is a threat."

NBC work throughout the hospitality, leisure and tourism industry, operating in several stadiums keeping problem birds away from areas where proofing is not always an option.

And Luke added: "Although I'm not a golfer The Open is a terrific spectacle and everyone made us very welcome.

"It was an incredible experience, one I'll never forget."