Predator-style robotic chook dubbed the ‘peregrinator’ used to scare off seagulls

Green boffins have developed a Predator-style robotic bird of prey to deter psycho seagulls from pooing in bathing water.

Environment Agency chiefs together with Teignbridge Council have nicknamed their new winged special agent “Robobird”.

Modelled after a peregrine falcon, the “peregrinator” will perch on Teignmouth promenade in Devon throughout the bathing water season to deter birds from pooing in it.

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Experts want to reduce the impact of bird poo, which can affect water quality.

Jonathan Harvey, an Environment Agency environmental monitoring officer, said: “We’ll gauge the effectiveness of the RoboBird through water quality sampling around the pier.

“We have also planned more conventional approaches for enhancing Teignmouth’s bathing water quality this season, including investigations into drainage systems and potential misconnections.”

Teignbridge Council is monitoring the success of the Robobird experiment on wildfowl populations around the bathing water sampling point.

Resort manager Sarah Holgate said: “As we unveil this exciting initiative, we also urge responsible environmental practices.

“Avoid pouring waste oil into drains or sewers, as it poses a threat to our beaches.”

Last year, 96% of bathing waters in England met minimum standards, while 90% were rated as ‘good’ or ‘excellent’, up from 76% in 2010, according to EA chiefs.

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