The Great Pigeon Debate.

This subject matter is not for those who may be seen as 'tree huggers', it is a legitimate question and is not from some 'gun-weilding nutter'. I would be interested to hear from someone who is 'up-to-speed' on the law concerning the 'humane' culling of Feral Pigeons and Collared Doves (both of which are classed as pests by DEFRA). The problem with these birds (who eat large quantities of different crops and leaving behind an even larger amount of droppings)is very bad in this country area. DEFRA states, somewhere, that these pests can be culled by individuals, in the confines of their own garden, by means of a humane method e.g. an air rifle. A certain 'General' license is issued by them which means individuals are not required to obtain specific authority on a 'case-to-case' basis before action can be taken. Licensing of the air rifle is another issue altogether. I would also like to add that environmental organisations and-the-like (including DEFRA)advise members of the public not to feed theses birds as they are seen as 'flying rats'. Any constructive comments/guidance will be appreciated.

 

Hi Capercaille
Check out the links below & have a good read. N.B. It is the wood pigeon which is covered & not the collared dove. (Also, House sparrows & starlings are no longer classified as pests)
http://www.defra.gov.uk/wildlife%2Dcountryside/vertebrates/
The following link suggests that the license does not cover damage to "property" i.e. domestic gardens
http://www.hastings.gov.uk/animal_nuisance/bird_control.pdf
Hope this helps
A. Treehugger

 

wood pigeon tastes good though

 

Remember to spit the lead out though

 

Spot-on Bayleaf,

Just what I was after. Many thanks.

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SteveW,

You don't have any lead problems if you get them right between the eyes!

 

You could always go for the natural method of pigeon control and take up falconry. Sakers are best, although a little messy - the pigeon often explodes upon impact.

Alternatively, if you are in the market for a long term and cost efficient solution, go for a european eagle owl. They last about 25 years and will happily live on a diet of pigeon and neighbours' cats [thereby solving another potential problem for the ardent gardener].

 

Just as a matter of interest Skiver, do you know much about Falconry. It's a subject i'm very interested in. I was amazed to find out that Hawks do not chase animals they 'fly after fur', and after a meal Hawks do not preen themselves but 'rejoice'. They do not drink but 'bowse'. They do not sleep but 'jenk'. Under King Edward III the stealing of a Hawk was punishable by death. Fascinating stuff. Any thoughts?

 

I actually know more about owls, but I was aware of these things as I spend a bit of time at a place near Andover called the Hawk Conservancy.

In the Middle Ages you needed permission from the King to own a hawk as they were such efficient hunters. There is a famous case in contract law where the judge of the time [1714, I think] compares things of value and places a hawk above a horse or a robe.

We get the word 'mantelpiece' from the way that birds of prey fold their wings around a kill before eating it - known as mantelling.