Enjoy Your Birding Without Pesky Pigeons
If you are just getting into birding and have been trying to attract passerine birds, like finches, to your yard, it can be frustrating to have pigeons encroach on their territory. While you may think that it is a kindness to feed them as well, PETA warns that overfeeding can cause pigeon populations to overbreed and hordes can cause diseases like Histoplasmosis. And since pigeons won't usually discriminate when scavenging for food, it can be hard to keep them away. However, there are a few ways you can deter these pests from your yard, while still enjoying other birds.
1. Attract Birds of Prey
If you don't care which kinds of birds you want to attract to your yard, you may want to attract hawks and owls since they are predators to pigeons. You can attract these raptors by installing a wood-box roost on a post or tree, by letting your lawn grow longer so that rodents can hide more easily, and by setting up a water source (e.g. small pond, bird bath, etc.). However, keep in mind that attracting birds of prey isn't quite as easy as attracting migrating species or songbirds. Another option is to scare away the pigeons for a while with decoys like an owl statue or plastic hawk. This may discourage other birds from your property as well, but once the pigeons have left, you can take the decoys away to see if birds will come back.
2. Contact a Pest Control Professional
While the words "pest control" may bring to mind the eradication of insects and other little critters, believe it or not, there are services that can remove pigeons from your property. If you want to remove the pigeons in a humane way, ask the professional if they use bob traps. Bob traps are metal boxes with a one-way door. The pigeon is attracted to some bait, like wheat, or if they are social, a decoy pigeon can be placed inside. Once trapped, the professional can easily remove them to another location.
3. Buy or Create Feeders That Aren't Easily Reached
Since pigeons are heavier than other small birds, try investing in feeders that have small, short perches. Inevitably the pigeon will give up instead of struggling with the balancing act. You could also construct a DIY feeder out of chickenwire mesh. Choose a wire with a smaller mesh, as pigeons won't be able to put their heads through the wires and reach the feed like smaller birds will. If you can, put a tarp under the feeders so you can easily collect fallen seed before the pigeons get to it. Lastly, if you are fond of hummingbirds, a hanging feeder is a good idea since the pigeons won't be able to perch anywhere to access the food.
4. Pigeon-proof Your Yard and Roof
If you've never looked at pigeon-proofing products, you'll be happy to note that there are a wide variety to choose from: bird slopes, pigeon spikes, netting, etc. You may want to put pigeon spikes on your roof to discourage roosting. Pigeons will be less likely to eat the birdfeed if they can't even nest around your home. Another option is to invest in an electronic repellent. Instead of attracting animals like a hunting bird-caller, these devices actually send signals of danger to repel them The added bonus is that some companies have made these devices target certain species, so other birds could come to your yard and not be affected.
To learn more, contact a company like Ace Walco & Sons Termite & Pest Control.
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