Birds of Prey at data centres? what's the reasoning?

This great photo was taken by one of our crews on a well-earned break from performing a data centre relocation service at Equinix Colocation Centre in Slough, Berkshire recently.

 

One may not be expecting to see a magnificent bird of prey accompanied by a professional handler in a location like this, but these beautiful creatures perform a crucial role at IT sites the world over. It brings a new a new twist to the term ‘data centre migration’.

Data centres are heavily reliant on cooling and ventilation, and typically have an extensive array of air conditioning units and condensers sited externally. As these units are designed to be out in the elements, they’re built to be weather tolerant. However, external these units are usually sited on the tops of buildings, which is exactly where potentially troublesome birds like to nest, breed and foul.

 

He might look harmless, but a pigeon and his family can be air conditioning’s worst nightmare!

 

Birds (particularly our friend the pigeon) can repeatedly nest and foul in the vicinity of AC and other ventilation units, wreaking havoc with the all-important cooling of data halls, and as such they must be carefully managed. A weekly visit to Equinix from this handler and his highly trained birds of prey are essential to keeping on top of this issue. As he told us –

‘She sees the pigeons and they see her. They’re not violent but the pigeons know where to go…..!’

For more information on our Data Centre Services (remote and on-site) read more.

 

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