MONTAGE LAGUNA BEACH NOW HOME TO FALCONS & HAWKS

SUSTAINABLE PEST BIRD ABATEMENT PROGRAM

Montage Laguna Beach

LAGUNA BEACH, CALIF. -- (December 7, 2009) -- Turkeys are not the only big birds in fashion this season. At Montage Laguna Beach, Harris hawks and Saker falcons are being used to disperse pest birds.

WHAT:
Falconers from Airstrike Technologies, a firm that practices a wide range of 4,000-year-old falconry-based techniques, oversee the sustainable bird abatement program at the oceanfront resort. Falconers Jorge Herrera and Matthew Moreau, who have served a two-year falconry apprenticeship and are licensed by the State of California, are available to answer questions from resort guests and area residents as they work with the birds of prey to discourage pest birds from seeking feeding and nesting opportunities at the resort.

WHY:
The daytime presence of the falcons and hawks, who respond to the falconer's commands and return to tethered perches on lawns and the roof overlooking the ocean, discourages potentially invasive flocks of seagulls, starlings, finches, pigeons and more from landing on resort grounds. This safe and natural method of non-lethal bird control has been found more effective than netting, mylar strips or noisemakers, and is frequently employed to protect vineyards, airports and golf courses.

WHERE:
Montage Laguna Beach, 30801 South Coast Highway, Laguna Beach, CA 92651, 866-271-6953

AVAILABLE FOR INTERVIEWS:
Managing Director James Bermingham can discuss the resort's commitment to sustainable practices, including this innovative use of falcons and hawks.

About Montage Laguna Beach
Montage Laguna Beach, set on a coastal bluff overlooking the Pacific in the heart of the vibrant arts community of Laguna Beach, offers 30 acres of oceanfront luxury. The 250-room craftsman-style resort features beachfront accommodations; a 20,000-square-foot spa; destination dining at Studio; a wealth of outdoor recreation, including three pools, beach and water sports; a fine art collection; and more than 20,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor meeting space. For information and reservations, please contact Montage, toll-free, at 1-888-715-6700; or visit the Web site at www.montagelagunabeach.com.

About Montage Hotels & Resorts
Montage Hotels & Resorts is a hotel and resort management company founded in 2002 by Alan Fuerstman. Designed to serve affluent travelers and homeowners, the company features an artistic collection of distinctive hotels, resorts and residences in stunning settings that offer comfortable elegance, a unique sense of place and spirit, impeccable hospitality and memorable culinary, spa and lifestyle experiences. Montage Laguna Beach, the company's flagship oceanfront resort, opened in the vibrant arts community of Laguna Beach, California, in 2003. Montage Beverly Hills, the company's second hotel, opened in Beverly Hills in 2008 and is the first Gold LEED certified hotel and residences in Southern California. Other properties under development include Montage Deer Valley in Park City, Utah, scheduled to open in 2010, and an oceanfront resort and residences with championship golf course coming soon in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. www.montagehotels.com.

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