[Nigel Bolton]

The bane of my gardening life at the moment. Despite a non urban setting, the pigeon population seems to have exploded around here; I have about four nesting pairs, and they never seem to stop shagging, and they're always up at the crack of dawn dancing and coo-ing on the roof. There are other pairs located not too far away.

Now coming into brassica season proper, does anyone have any ideas to ward off pigeons?. Used to dangle AOL CD's around the plants years ago and this was successful for a time, but they are intelligent enough to quickly work out that such deterrents are really not a threat.

N.

[John Mason]

Shoot them, or get someone to shoot them, then skin & wrap in streaky bacon & roast. Less pigeons and good grub!

Cheers - John 

[Updraught]

Yes they are ###### but a .22 air rifle should do the trick. They will make a nice pie.

[Edit by Stu - use of Bad Language]

[EllyTech]

Please keep the language clean!

[Dave K]

It's collared doves here, there seem to be dozens of pairs in a small urban area but they don't really give any great problems - just the endless coo-ing gets right on your nerves :s

[Paul Corfield]

Quote

Chris Lloyd - 6/6/2010 00:26 I have shot loads in my garden. Our 100 ft beech tree must be a roost for the entire population. My mate has my kills - he loves pidgeon.

It's against the law to shoot any bird in the UK without a licence to shoot the specific bird so I'd be careful what you openly admit to!

Paul.

[Lightning Hunter]

We have a pair of Wood Pidgeons in our vicinity that like to coo at sunrise, which is close to 4:40 a.m now! Very annoying, but I'd never dream of killing one - we destroyed their habitat in the first place.

[Dave Hancox]

This link may be of help.

General licences are issued by government agencies to provide a legal basis for people to carry out a range of activities relating to wildlife. By definition you do not need to apply for general licences but you are required by law to abide by their terms and conditions.

http://www.basc.org....al-licences.cfm

[Steve Warren]

Ear plugs... works for me..

[Paul Corfield]

.

[Paul Corfield]

Also note that before shooting the bird without a valid reason, even with a licence, you are supposed to deter the birds by various other methods and shooting is a last resort. It's briefly mention on the link by Dave where it says - make sure that your purpose and your method of control is supported by the relevant general licence listing that species.

Just shooting a bird because it is in your garden isn't a valid reason!

Paul.

[Dave K]

Quote

Paul Corfield - 6/6/2010 15:39

Also note that before shooting the bird without a valid reason, even with a licence, you are supposed to deter the birds by various other methods and shooting is a last resort. It's briefly mention on the link by Dave where it says - make sure that your purpose and your method of control is supported by the relevant general licence listing that species.

Just shooting a bird because it is in your garden isn't a valid reason!

Paul.

Nothing that a peregrine falcon wouldn't sort out [hehe]

[Nigel Bolton]

Quote

Paul Corfield - 6/6/2010 15:39

Also note that before shooting the bird without a valid reason, even with a licence, you are supposed to deter the birds by various other methods and shooting is a last resort. It's briefly mention on the link by Dave where it says - make sure that your purpose and your method of control is supported by the relevant general licence listing that species.

Just shooting a bird because it is in your garden isn't a valid reason!

Paul.

I did wonder about this, though I am aware some councils have dispensation to cull them as they can be a nuisance and they are a health hazard, and can make a dreadful mess.

N.

[drizzledeluge]

they are really very noisy indeed, just that endless 5 coo pattern, and once one starts, it usually sets off other pidges aswell, also they like to mate publicly aswell :s

[mrfizz]

I actually quite like 'Old Woody' and his brood that make their home in the conifer trees in the garden at the back of mine. I think they're quite entertaining. Watching the old fella try to take off when being chased by my cat is like watching a B52 try to take off from an aircraft carrier. His wings go ten-to-the-dozen but he doesn't move anywhere, but then suddenly, lift-off!! Cue annoyed looks from the Cat, who has now revealed his position meaning further bird catching attempts are scuppered, and cue annoyed looks from Old Woody who resents having to do any form of exercise.

[PaulKn]

I like the pigeons wandering around our garden - they love the food we put out.

[Nigel Bolton]

A few days away visiting Mum and a few days of dry and the cats are back. All my seedling beetroot and lettuce dug up and have been replaced by other material of a much less savoury nature. Have returned this material to its rightful owner.

N.

[Nigel Bolton]

Time to rig the netting. Pigeons really start to enjoy brassicas now the cooler weather is arriving. They have already had a good go at my curly kale.

N.