Several small towns in Schleswig-Holstein want to curb the number of rooks with the help of birds of prey. Municipalities have to deal with large colonies of corvids and the associated problems such as noise pollution or droppings under the nests.

Since the beginning of February, falconer Herbert Boger has been coming three times a week with his animals to Kellinghusen, a small town on the Eider, to scare away crows.

"These measures have been carried out for three years and have at least resulted in the number of nests not increasing in recent years," said Katja Nielsen from the city of Kellinghusen. Also in Wilster, about 30 kilometers away, Boger is on duty with his falcons and buzzards.

The rook is one of the specially protected species in Germany. It may not be hunted - and it may only be frightened under strict conditions and with permission.