by Pigeon Patrol | Feb 16, 2020 | Bird Deterrent Products, Bird Netting, Bird Spike, Pigeon Control, Pigeon Patrol's Services, Pigeon Spikes, Pigeons in the News
The dossier spills over into two drawers of files full of hand-scribbled notes, maps marked with sharp black dots – and snapshots of a shadowy lady figure, scattering pigeon seed.
This is Laura Dodson’s nemesis.
There was a time when Dodson went after the crack dealers in her Hollywood neighborhood with such a vengeance that city officials honored her with a plaque. Now, she has declared war on another urban scourge. For three years, she has enlisted snitches, set up overnight stakeouts, appealed for help from city leaders and the police.
Her quarry? Pigeon lady Susie Kourinian, the furtive form in the photos.
Kourinian is no ordinary bird lover. She earns her seed money as a seamstress to the stars; she appeared in InStyle magazine tweaking Cate Blanchett’s hem and is said to keep actresses such as Megan Mullally in finery.
That glittery occupation gives Kourinian the wherewithal to make a lot of pigeons happy. Kourinian once told police she spends $65,000 a year on bird feed – enough to dump 500 pounds of birdseed every day, a lifeline for the more than 5,000 pigeons who now populate the two square miles of this neighborhood northwest of downtown Los Angeles.
Kourinian is reputedly so crafty that within moments, she can pop the trunk of her black sport utility vehicle, scatter 75 pounds of pigeon feed and disappear into the night.
She has been doing this for a decade, police say, but neither they nor Dodson’s small band of pigeon patrollers – dubbed “Citizen Pigeon” – have been able to stop her.
“When you realize how many hours and manpower it takes to catch the pigeon lady … ,” Dodson said. “She’s got the perfect crime because who else would have the resources to do this?”
Across the nation, a virtual war on pigeons has been waged in many ways: poisonings, electric wires, robotic falcons and even bird relocations to pigeon farms. In some places the mere mention of feeding bans has raised the ire of legions of pigeon fanciers who ridicule efforts to levy fines for tossing birds a handful of bread crumbs.
But pigeons will reproduce based on the amount of food available. In Hollywood, they have.
Stephanie Boyles, a wildlife biologist with the Humane Society who has developed pigeon control programs around the country, said she’s never seen anything like it. To get a sense of how bad the problem was, she once scattered some bread in a Hollywood parking lot.
Within moments, the bread was gone and thousands of eyes were upon her. An eerie cooing suggested they wanted more.
“I’ve traveled in Europe, I’ve been to New York City many, many times, Washington D.C. and Chicago … places that claim to have pigeon problems. They do, but compared to Hollywood, it’s not even a fair comparison,” Boyles said.
Critics maintain that pigeons do millions of dollars in damage a year nationwide. Their guano is caustic, and has been blamed for all sorts of problems, from poor water quality in Pismo Beach to the collapse of the Minneapolis bridge.
In Hollywood, critics say, the pigeons conflict with a beautification program aimed at reviving the famed neighborhood, for years blighted by dingy sex shops along the Hollywood Walk of Fame. When officials took down the marquee of Grauman’s Chinese Theatre to refurbish the building, pigeon guano had completely corroded the metal.
Legions of pigeons sit waiting for food on rooftops, under freeways and telephone lines, prompting business owners to put up canopies and umbrellas to protect customers.
“If I were to feed 5,000 cats a day, you know how many cats we’d see a year from now?” said Thaddeus Smith, who once used a jackhammer to get guano off the roof of his Music Box nightclub. “When we walk to lunch we see bird seed everywhere and thousands of pigeons sitting on wires saying `hmmm.”‘
At Pigeon Patrol, we manufacture and offer a variety of bird deterrents, ranging from Ultra-flex Bird Spikes with UV protection, Bird Netting, 4-S Gel and the best Ultrasonic and audible sound devices on the market today.
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by Pigeon Patrol | Feb 16, 2020 | Bird Netting, Pigeon Control, Pigeon Droppings, Pigeon Patrol's Services, Pigeon Spikes, Pigeons in the News
Rat with wings in Dubai: Pigeons have become a nuisance in the city, leaving many residents exasperated.
These birds which have been breeding uncontrollably are messing up property with their droppings.
Building owners are having to hire pest-control firms to ward off these fast-breeding birds, they are like rat with wings.
Dr Elmahi El Tilib Gubran, pest control studies officer at Dubai Municipality’s Public Health Department, while describing pigeons as a “serious” problem, said it’s hard to put a figure to their numbers in Dubai, where it is illegal to cull pigeons.
Serious problems
“They cause serious problems on structures and are a real nuisance to get rid of,” said Dr Gubran, who added that the municipality traps them and gives them to a falcon hospital as feed.
With a plentiful supply of food, water and nesting perches, the city’s pigeon population has exploded in recent years. The problem prevails across the emirate, right from the residential districts of Karama, Bur Dubai and Deira, to the five-star hotels and industrial buildings in Jebel Ali and Jumeirah.
To deal with the problem, pest-control films have introduced a number of measures – from installing anti-roosting spikes on building tops, to the use of PVC (poly-vinyl chloride) netting and flying falcons to scare them away.
Pigeon droppings have been known to carry disease causing germs (see box on left). The droppings are acidic and can eat away at tar-based roofing, damage machinery, air conditioning systems and car paint work.
XPRESS went out with a team from Trap Pest Control, which uses nets and spikes for clients in the industrial areas of Jebel Ali as well as palaces.
Amin Jarrar, who runs the company, said: “We get calls from companies all the time asking to use our service. We don’t kill the pigeons because that is illegal, so all we do is move them on.”
One reason pigeons are widespread in places like Deira, Bur Dubai and Karama is that landlords are unwilling to invest in preventive measures, he said. “In Dubai, many tenants as well as property owners are coming and going all the time, so to invest in something like this is not appealing for them.”
Netting costs Dh75 per square metre and a metre of spikes costs Dh75. With spikes, the protruding pins make it impossible for pigeons to land, encouraging them to go elsewhere without them getting hurt.
Other pest-control companies treat problem areas with anti-pigeon spray that wards off the birds without harming them or other animals for up to a year after treatment.
While fake hawks and falcons are used in some UK cities to scare off pigeons, a Dubai company is using real falcons to do the job.
Al Hurr Falconry, based in Nad Al Sheba, uses 21 peregrine falcons – of which 14 constantly patrol the air in places like Jumeirah, while seven are used for breeding.
Battle in the air
David Stead, managing director of Al Hurr, describes the “battle” with pigeons as a “war of attrition”. Since his company was set up seven years ago, business has never been busier. “We get calls from people running five-star hotels to deal with pigeon droppings on their property,” said Stead.
“Pigeons are also one of the fastest birds in the air, and one of the few birds of prey that can catch them are falcons,” he said. “When pigeons see falcons, they go ballistic and scatter all over the place as they think they are going to be eaten. I’ve seen them almost fall to the ground in a desperate attempt to pick up speed and escape.”
Peregrine falcons can catch birds in the air and urban peregrines eat a lot of pigeons. Stead’s peregrine falcons, however, are trained to hover in the air for around a few minutes before returning to their handlers.
For their work to have a lasting effect, Stead and his team maintain a presence at the client’s buildings up to five days a week.
“It’s not a case of flying once and then leaving it,” he explained. “You have got to maintain an almost permanent presence around the building. You’ve got to make the pigeons think that the falcon lives in the area. That is the only way to get them to go away. ”
“Other countries have tried things like shooting the pigeons with air guns, but they alway return,” said Stead.
Methods to deal with them
- Draping a PVC net across overhanging areas to prevent the birds from flying to a specific location.
- Installing spikes on ledges or positions of walls and buildings to prevent pigeons from having a comfortable spot to rest on.
- Setting up brown coloured balls on a piece of string to fool the pigeons into thinking it is a falcon. (no photo)
How other nations dealt with the issue:
Switzerland:
Had experimented with a pigeon contraceptive pill, but it was found to be ineffective in trials
and often was also eaten by fertile birds from other species, making it difficult to specifically target pigeons.
United Kingdom:
Although pigeons are tolerated at Trafalgar Square, in London, as a tourist attraction elsewhere companies have hired snipers to shoot the birds off buildings with airguns. Specially licensed pest controllers can also use narcotic-laced drugs to “knock out” the birds before the pigeon’s necks are dislocated.
United States:
Use of plastic models of birds of prey is popular but the effect of scaring off pigeons has been found to work only for a short period of time.
Birds of a feather
- Pigeons are scared of peregrine falcons, who primarily eat birds they catch in the air.
- Between the 16th and 18th centuries pigeon droppings were a highly prized fertiliser and considered far more potent than farmyard manure – so guards had to be stationed near pigeon houses to stop thieves from stealing it. In 16th century England, it was the only known source of saltpetre, an ingredient of gunpowder. In Iran pigeon houses were set up and used simply as a source of fertiliser for melon crops and in France and Italy it was used to fertilise vineyards and hemp crops.
- Pigeons are gregarious and tend to be found in flocks of around twenty to thirty birds. Seeds and grains make up their diet.
- A pigeon nest is usually constructed with small twigs and located on covered building ledges, well-hidden from view. The male brings the nesting material to his mate, one piece at a time.
- Pigeons reproduce throughout the year and can raise four or five broods annually.
- Pigeons can hear sounds at much lower frequencies than humans, such as distant thunderstorms and even far-away volcanoes, which may explain why pigeons sometimes fly away for no apparent reason.
- Pigeons can fly up to 40 or 50 miles per hour and may travel as far as 600 miles a day. They can detect the Earth’s magnetic fields, which, along with the ability to tell direction by sun, seems to help them find their way home.
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by Pigeon Patrol | Feb 16, 2020 | Bird Deterrent Products, Bird Netting, Bird Spikes, Pigeon Control, Pigeon Droppings, Pigeon Patrol's Services, Pigeon Spikes, UltraSonic Bird Control
How to get rid of pigeons?
How to get rid of pigeons? The Council has no policy to control or cull birds within the area.
It is generally acknowledged that reducing the population by culling can only have a short-term effect, and populations soon recover.
Food is the most important factor determining the size of any pigeon population, and the best known, long-term solution to pigeon problems is to restrict its availability.
Numbers can also be reduced by restricting roosting and nesting spaces. Replacing broken roof tiles and closing open/broken windows will stop pigeons gaining access to buildings. Specialist contractors use fine mist nets and small spikes placed on windows to discourage pigeons from roosting on buildings.
Specialist contractors can be employed to carry out appropriate action. Darlington Borough Council does not provide this service or any financial assistance to carry out the work.
What the law says about pigeons
Most birds and their nests are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.
The Act allows for the control of certain birds, including feral pigeons, by authorised persons using specified methods to prevent serious damage to agriculture, to preserve public health / air safety, or to conserve other wild birds.
The use of spring traps, poisons, certain types of nets, gassing and sticky substances that may entangle a bird are illegal. Approved methods include trapping or drugging followed by humane destruction and shooting.
It is an offence under the Criminal Damage Act 1971 to intentionally kill a racing pigeon.
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Contact us at 1- 877– 4– NO-BIRD, (604) 585-9279 or visit our website at www.pigeonpatrol.ca
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by Pigeon Patrol | Feb 16, 2020 | Bird Deterrent Products, Bird Netting, Bird Spikes, Pigeon Control, Pigeon Droppings, Pigeon Spikes, UltraSonic Bird Control
Do pigeons do any harm? – pigeons dropping are not only unsightly but are acidic and in large quantities can cause damage to buildings and machinery. Nesting material, droppings and feathers can also block gutters and air vents.
Public health – pigeons can carry diseases, some of which may do harm to people, for example if droppings contaminate food stuffs. As such their presence cannot be tolerated in and around food premises. They also carry mites which can cause skin disease and dust from their feathers can cause respiratory problems in confined spaces.
Accidents – pigeon droppings and food left down for pigeons can cause walkways and fire escapes on buildings to become slippery and dangerous. Startled flocks can take flight suddenly, causing hazards to motorists and pedestrians.
Other birds – large numbers of pigeons can force smaller birds away from feeding areas. The pigeons also spread disease to other birds, reducing their numbers.
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At Pigeon Patrol, we manufacture and offer a variety of bird deterrents, ranging from Ultra-flex Bird Spikes with UV protection, Bird Netting, 4-S Gel and the best Ultrasonic and audible sound devices on the market today.
Contact us at 1- 877– 4– NO-BIRD, (604) 585-9279 or visit our website at www.pigeonpatrol.ca
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by Pigeon Patrol | Feb 16, 2020 | Animal Deterrent Products, Bird Deterrent Products, Bird Netting, Bird Spike, Pigeon Control, Pigeon Droppings, Pigeon Spikes, Pigeons in the News
Why are there so many of pigeons?
Feral pigeons are descended from wild rock doves and their populations have increased, especially in urban areas, in recent years.
Feral pigeons often form large flocks that roost on buildings, ledges and under bridges. They can often be found in loft spaces and empty buildings – anywhere that offers a small amount of shelter. Feral pigeons can breed all year round if food is in good supply and raise between three and six broods of two ‘squabs’ a year. Food is the most important factor determining the size of any pigeon population, and the best known, long term solutions to pigeon problems is to restrict its availability.
What do pigeons eat?
Their preferred diet is grain and seed, but they will scavenge food, take food from bird tables and eat household scraps and discarded takeaway foods.
Pigeons are wild birds capable of finding their own food. In a public area throwing food on to the ground can be considered as littering and will attract rats. Waste human food does not contain the essential vitamins the birds require and can lead to ill health and deformity.
Feeding pigeons in itself is not against the law but it is not necessary. It results in all year breeding that causes overcrowding. If feeding is reduced, their numbers will decline resulting in a smaller healthier flock with less need for drastic control measures.
Please do not feed the pigeons.
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At Pigeon Patrol, we manufacture and offer a variety of bird deterrents, ranging from Ultra-flex Bird Spikes with UV protection, Bird Netting, 4-S Gel and the best Ultrasonic and audible sound
devices on the market today.
Contact us at 1- 877– 4– NO-BIRD, (604) 585-9279 or visit our website at www.pigeonpatrol.ca
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by Pigeon Patrol | Feb 16, 2020 | Animal Deterrent Products, Bird Deterrent Products, Bird Spike, Pigeon Control, Pigeon Droppings, Pigeon Patrol's Services, Pigeon Spikes, Pigeons in the News
Neighbors said they’ve done everything they can think of to get this pigeon problems to stop in their Rhawnhurst neighborhood.
They’ve signed petitions. They’ve helped the City of Philadelphia take the case to court.
And still, every day, to put it bluntly, they’re pooped on by pigeons that flock there daily. That’s why they called the NBC 10 Investigators.
They wait on the wire.
“It’s disgusting,” said neighbor Eleanor Hennessy.
To neighbors, it feels like a nightmare scene right out of the old Alfred Hitchcock movie, “The Birds”,but Pigeon.
One look at the deposits left on an NBC 10 News car gives an idea what all of the screaming is about.
“It’s a crime against us,” said Hennessy’s husband, Francis.
And it has been going on for years.
“We’re out there every day washing our cars. Our dogs are getting pooped on, literally,” Cinque said.
“We couldn’t eat in our yard all summer. Kids next door couldn’t swim in their pool. You can’t hang laundry,” Francis Hennessy said.
“I’m working on a story about the pigeons,” said NBC 10’s Lu Ann Cahn as she approached.
“Oh, look, leave me alone. Go away,” said Karen Partain.
Partain owns the Rhawnhurst row home that has become the pigeon palace on Hartel Avenue.
Her husband, Joe Mutoli, wouldn’t answer the door. City health officials said despite six citations, Mutoli has continued to illegally put out a virtual bird buffet.
A seventh citation was delivered while NBC 10 was there.
Cahn said she was told there’s nothing wrong with a bird feeder. But the city said Mutoli has been told numerous times that he’s not allowed to throw feed on the ground and in a public school yard behind his home.
“His response has been that this is something he can do, and also there has been a lot of confrontation with our officers,” said Tara Derby, of the Philadelphia Animal Welfare Society.
“This is illegal, yes. There’s no way it’s legal. It’s in violation of the animal ordinance,” Derby said.
Experts said the food has caused the pigeon population to explode and the droppings are a health hazard.
“The droppings contain bacteria and viruses,” said William Ferraro, of the Philadelphia Health Department.
“I usually clean right after nap time,” said a local day care operator. “See, they’re circling now.”
The woman said she is constantly cleaning a small playground where the pigeon poop sometimes comes down like rain.
“If I would miss like one or two areas of droppings, of course the kids would find them, they would touch it and put it in their mouths,” said the daycare operator.
If it’s illegal, why can’t the city stop this?
“It’s the million dollar question,” said Eleanor Hennessy.
Neighbors said it’s hard to catch Mutoli throwing pigeon feed and show the city how serious this is.
So, the NBC 10 investigators sat in an undercover van and waited. It’s difficult to see because it was pitch-black outside, but sure enough at 11 p.m. one night, an NBC 10 crew caught Mutoli grab bird feed out of his garage and throw it through the fence of the neighboring schoolyard.
On video, he’s a shadowy figure. But Cahn said she and other crewmembers saw him clearly with their own eyes.
“You’ve continued to spread bird feed on the ground, and you know that’s illegal, right?” Cahn asked Mutoli over the phone.
Mutoli admitted on the phone that he shouldn’t be doing that and said he will stop. He claims he’s trying to move the birds away from his home and slowly wean them off food.
Neighbors said they’ve heard that before, but it never stops.
City officials told Cahn that you can’t throw a guy in prison for feeding pigeons. But as a result of this story and community pressure, NBC 10 has learned Mutoli is being ordered to appear in municipal court next month where he could be fined thousands of dollars.
Source
At Pigeon Patrol, we manufacture and offer a variety of bird deterrents, ranging from Ultra-flex Bird Spikes with UV protection, Bird Netting, 4-S Gel and the best Ultrasonic and audible sound devices on the market today.
Contact us at 1- 877– 4– NO-BIRD, (604) 585-9279 or visit our website at www.pigeonpatrol.ca
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