Hawks drafted in to scare off seagulls at Royal Portrush
For now four hawks are on the course at the 153rd Open Championship to ensure spectators aren't bothered by seagulls stealing their food.
Cheyenne, Caine, Bella and Aurora have their Hawk-eyes on those other birdies flying through the sky and feeling peckish as thousands of fans flock to the Food Hall when taking a break from watching the golf.
Anyone who has ever been to Portrush will know that seagulls are regular visitors in large numbers so the Harris Hawks are welcome guests to the north coast invited by the R & A.
Falconer David Trenier from Clear Skies NI explained to the Belfast Telegraph: 'We are here with the hawks to make sure that the gulls stay away from people eating their food.'
The Open at Royal Portrush: What happened in 2019
As well as doing their job, the hawks are proving quite the attraction with adults and kids alike taking scores of selfies with them.
That will continue throughout the tournament and increase on Saturday and Sunday when an American Bald Eagle called Pilgrim arrives on the scene.
'Having Pilgrim along is a tip of the hat to our American visitors,' said David who runs Clear Skies NI with his wife Joanna.
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