Rufus the hawk keeps Wimbledon courts free of pigeons for 18 years

Rufus, a Harris's hawk, continues his role in scaring away pigeons at Wimbledon during the Championships. He has been deployed for 18 years, starting his day around 04:00 BST to ensure the courts remain pest-free. His handler, Donna Davis, notes that he is often recognized by fans, highlighting the unique nature of his work. Rufus also performs similar duties at other notable locations, such as Westminster Abbey and Lord's Cricket Ground. His longest flights can last up to 12 hours, allowing him to patrol the grounds effectively.

• 5:01 AMYahoo Sports — Wimbledon is hawk's pigeon-scaring playground