by Pigeon Patrol | Jun 30, 2023 | Bird Spike, Pigeon Spikes, Pigeons, Pigeons in the News, Raccoons, Sparrows, UltraSonic Bird Control
Q: I live on the 15th floor of an Upper East Side co-op with windows facing First Avenue. Pigeons are roosting on my window ledge. The birds’ vocalization is loud enough to wake me up in the morning and they leave behind gray and white stains from their droppings. I shoo the birds away when I’m home, but cannot do this all day. I want to be able to open my window in the spring without worrying that the germs from their droppings will enter my room. What can I place on my window ledge to discourage the pigeons from roosting there? I do not want to use anything that could fall off the ledge, endangering a pedestrian below, or poison the birds. What is a safe remedy?
A: You should be able to open your windows this spring without worrying that a pigeon will fly into your apartment or its droppings will soil your home. While their droppings do not generally pose a serious health risk, they are still unsanitary, and gross. But your building, not you, should get the birds off your ledge. As a shareholder, you are responsible for everything inside the walls of your apartment, and the co-op board is responsible for the building. So the board needs to figure out how to get the birds to find a new home.
“Residents should not attempt a solution on their own,” said Daniel Wollman, the chief executive of Gumley Haft, a Manhattan property manager.
Write the managing agent and the co-op board a letter alerting them to the pigeon problem and insisting that they fix it. If the birds are nesting on your ledge, they are probably nesting on another resident’s, too. In the letter, ask that management also clean the ledge of any droppings.
The building should be able to get the birds to nest elsewhere without damaging the facade or risking the safety of anyone on the street below. For example, at a Gumley Haft-managed property with a pigeon problem in its inner courtyard, management suspended netting over the area to keep the birds away.
Netting will not solve the problem at your building, but there are other methods. John McGowan, the director of operations for Bugged Out Pest Management in Brooklyn suggested that your building consider using Bird Barrier Optical Gel, a bird deterrent, which he described as “awesome.”
Source
Pigeon Patrol Products & Services is the leading manufacturer and distributor or bird deterrent (control) products in Canada. Pigeon Patrol products have solved pest bird problems in industrial, commercial, and residential settings since 2000, by using safe and humane bird
deterrents with only bird and animal friendly solutions. 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 Bird Gel and the best Ultrasonic and audible sound devices on the market today.
Voted Best Canadian wholesaler for Bird Deterrent products ten years in a row.
Contact us at 1 877-4-NO-BIRD,(604) 585-9279 or visit our website at www.pigeonpatrol.ca
Pigeon/Pigeon Patrol / Pigeons Roosing / Vancouver Pigeon Control / Bird Spikes / Bird Control / Bird Deterrent / PIgeon Deterrent / Surrey Pigeon Control / Pest / Seagull deterrent / Vancouver Pigeon Blog / Birds Inside Home / Pigeons in the cities / Ice Pigeons / What to do about pigeons / sparrows, Damage by Sparrows, How to Keep Raccoons Away, Why Are Raccoons Considered Pests / De-fence / Pigeon Nesting / Bird Droppings / Pigeon Dropping / woodpecker control / Professional Bird Control Company / Keep The Birds Away / Birds/rats/seagull/pigeon/woodpecker/dove/sparrow/pidgeon control/pidgeon problem/pidgeon control/flying rats/pigeon problems/ bird netting/bird gel/bird spray/bird nails/bird guard
by Pigeon Patrol | Jun 21, 2023 | Bird Spike, Pigeon Predators, Pigeon Spikes, Pigeons, Pigeons in the News, Raccoons, Sparrows
A pigeon takeover can really disrupt your outdoor space. One day you see a few, the next day, a few hundred. Not to mention their droppings can stain or even corrode metal and painted surfaces.
Getting rid of pigeons starts with finding the root cause and planning your defense strategy accordingly. Here’s what could be attracting them and how to humanely get rid of them.
Why Do I Have Pigeons Around My Home?
Especially if you’re not in an urban location, it can be a mystery why pigeons have chosen to flock to your home. Despite their well-known tendency to inhabit cities, pigeons can be found just about anywhere, from large farmlands to small suburban apartments.
These are the main culprits that could be attracting pigeons to your home.
1. There’s a Feast Around
Above all, the pigeon’s main objective is to eat—and their peckish beaks will go for just about anything. They might go for the crops around your home, such as fruits (especially berries), grains, and beans.
If you have a bird feeder, they’ll bully smaller birds away and call upon their pigeon pals to come gorge. There could also be some trash can or compost munchies they’re going after.
Not sure what’s giving them a meal ticket? It helps to observe the pesky birds and note where they gather. Once you pinpoint what they’re pecking at, it will be that much easier to remove the temptation.
2. There’s a Good Perching Spot
Pigeons love a birds-eye view of the surrounding area—what better way to scope out a place to feed or nest? If you’ve got some prime perching real estate around, they’ll be all the more attracted to your property.
Here are a few of their top picks for perching:
- Ledges
- Balconies
- Gutter
- Roof
3. There’s a Suitable Nesting Area
Aside from eating, nesting is a pigeon’s other main objective. They prefer flat, warm, secluded surfaces such as:
- Barns
- Chimneys
- Garages
- Window sills
- Window AC units
- Solar panels
How to Get Rid of Pigeons
Whether it’s the noms or the nesting that has pigeons hooked on your turf, here’s what you can do to keep them away.
Adjust Your Bird Feeders
Bird feeders are a major attraction to pigeons, but that doesn’t mean you need to bid farewell to all your hungry feathered visitors. By getting feeders pigeons can’t (or don’t want to) access, your favorite songbirds can have their seed and eat it too.
Get a Weight-Sensitive Feeder
Weight-sensitive bird feeders are a great pigeon deterrent (and they’ll also keep ravenous squirrels at bay). These allow lightweight songbirds to munch freely while using weight-sensitive springs to shut feeding ports for pigeons and other heavier visitors.
Use Pigeon-Proof Feeders
Pigeons are large and heavy—and they’re no acrobats. You can deter them by selecting a feeder they can’t use, such as a hanging tube feeder, suet cake, or anything with tiny perches that they won’t be able to sit on.
Put Out Food They Don’t Like
As undiscerning as the pigeon’s appetite is, there are some seeds they tend to stay away from. Here are a few songbird-attracting seeds that pigeons don’t care for:
- Suet
- Nyjer
- Striped sunflower
Avoid the Food They Do Like
In the same vein, you’ll want to avoid the seeds that pigeons find scrumptious, which are often found in less-expensive seed mixes. These include:
Use a Seed Catcher
Those pretty songbirds aren’t the neatest eaters, and pigeons will happily flock to any seed that falls to the ground. If you’re having trouble in this area, consider adding a seed catcher, which is a wide tray that hangs just below the feeder. You can purchase a seed catcher online or attach a tray to your feeder with rope or chains.
Get Anti-Roosting Spikes
Anti-roosting spikes might seem painful at a glance, but they’re more of a visual deterrent than a physical one. Since birds can easily see the spikes, they know they aren’t able to perch and won’t try to do it.
Use a Fearsome Decoy
To keep pigeons away, try putting out a realistic decoy of a predatory animal, such as a snake or an owl. Pigeons tend to wise up to this tactic after a while, so it’s more effective if you move the decoy to different spots periodically. Even still, this is best paired with other solutions and deterrents.
Try a Repellent
Ultrasonic emitters and slippery gel repellents can keep pigeons from hanging out in your yard. However, the downside is that they’ll keep other birds away too. Avoid sticky repellents, as these can trap and injure smaller birds.
Tips for Dealing With Pigeons Around Your Home
While you’re working on giving them the permanent boot, use these tips to manage the pigeons around your home.
1. Don’t Feed the Birds
When pigeons disrupt the feeding of your regular songbird clientele, it’s tempting to throw some bread or cheap seed in a separate location as a diversion. While this presents a temporary solution, you’ll run into trouble when those pigeons tell their buddies about the free food and they all make it a regular place to frequent.
Along with that, be sure to close off or remove other potential food sources, such as trash cans and compost piles.
2. Keep a Consistent Cleanup Routine
While you’re in the midst of a pigeon problem, become well-acquainted with your hose’s power-spray setting. Their corrosive droppings can do serious damage to the surfaces and finishes around your yard, so you’ll want to stay on top of cleanup. Along with that, sweeping and keeping garbage in well-sealed containers can eliminate potential food sources.
3. Deter Pigeons With Reflective Materials
Shiny materials are disorienting and can keep pigeons away from their usual landing spot. Aluminum foil, reflective tape, shiny ribbon, and your old CD collection are all great options.
4. Cap Your Chimney
While it won’t single-handedly prevent a pigeon invasion, investing in a chimney cap is a wise thing to do if you haven’t already. Pigeons have a tendency to nest in chimneys, where they can often get stuck and pass away. That’s not ideal for either of you to go through, so you won’t regret being proactive.
DIY vs. Hire a Pro
Although the risk of pigeon-related illness is low, these birds can harbor disease and parasites. A local bird control service can help you safely deal with them and keep them from coming back. The cost to remove a bird’s nest ranges anywhere from $100 to $2,000.
If you decide to DIY, it’s best practice to wear protective clothing, including eyewear, a mask, and gloves when handling a bird or its droppings.
Additional Questions
How do I get rid of pigeons naturally?
Here are a few scents pigeons can’t stand:
- Cinnamon
- Hot peppers
- Peppermint
- Onion
- Garlic
What are pigeons most afraid of?
Pigeons are most deterred by the sight of predatory birds. These include owls, hawks, and other birds of prey.
Source
Pigeon Patrol Products & Services is the leading manufacturer and distributor or bird deterrent (control) products in Canada. Pigeon Patrol products have solved pest bird problems in industrial, commercial, and residential settings since 2000, by using safe and humane bird
deterrents with only bird and animal friendly solutions. 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 Bird Gel and the best Ultrasonic and audible sound devices on the market today.
Voted Best Canadian wholesaler for Bird Deterrent products ten years in a row.
Contact us at 1 877-4-NO-BIRD,(604) 585-9279 or visit our website at www.pigeonpatrol.ca
Pigeon/Pigeon Patrol / Pigeons Roosing / Vancouver Pigeon Control / Bird Spikes / Bird Control / Bird Deterrent / PIgeon Deterrent / Surrey Pigeon Control / Pest / Seagull deterrent / Vancouver Pigeon Blog / Birds Inside Home / Pigeons in the cities / Ice Pigeons / What to do about pigeons / sparrows, Damage by Sparrows, How to Keep Raccoons Away, Why Are Raccoons Considered Pests / De-fence / Pigeon Nesting / Bird Droppings / Pigeon Dropping / woodpecker control / Professional Bird Control Company / Keep The Birds Away / Birds/rats/seagull/pigeon/woodpecker/dove/sparrow/pidgeon control/pidgeon problem/pidgeon control/flying rats/pigeon problems/ bird netting/bird gel/bird spray/bird nails/bird guard
by Pigeon Patrol | Jun 21, 2023 | Bird Spike, Pigeon Predators, Pigeon Spikes, Pigeons, Pigeons in the News, Raccoons, Sparrows, UltraSonic Bird Control
Regardless of whether it’s around your home or a business premises, pigeons can be a nuisance.
While the odd one here or there is, of course, to be expected, if your property has become a popular place for these creatures to hang out, it can cause a number of problems.
• Bird droppings not only look unsightly, when wet they can be a serious slip hazard
• Pigeons do unfortunately deserve their reputation for being unhygienic and they do in fact carry more harmful diseases to humans than rats do
• Pigeon fouling and nest materials attract a whole host of insects including fleas, carpet beetles, flies, clothes moths and mealworm beetles
• Pigeon faeces is highly corrosive and can, therefore, cause extensive damage to your building if it sits there for an extended period of time
• Debris from flocks of pigeons can build up causing blockages to drains and gutters which can cause flooding and roof damage
• Clean-up costs can be high
As you may have gathered by now, it’s advisable to deal with pigeons before they become a huge problem. How exactly do you get rid of pigeons?
Remove any food sources
Pigeons are scavengers and will feed on nearly anything so make sure there are no possible food sources around your home or business premises. Don’t forget to check your roof and ensure that any outdoor areas are clean, no food scraps have been left out and that rubbish hasn’t been pulled out of your bins by other animals.
Store rubbish bags in metal bins with securely fitted lids so that pigeons can’t gain access to the contents. Try to avoid feeding pets outside or if you have to, clean away their bowl as soon as they’ve finished eating.
Install a decoy
If you look up at buildings you will probably notice some of them have fake Owls, lightweight kites in the form of hawk silhouettes, which are placed as a scare tactic. A good tip is to move the decoy on a regular basis because pigeons will get used to its presence and won’t be scared of t anymore – especially because it doesn’t make a noiseHomemade remedies
Some organic, homemade remedies have been known to be pretty effective. Try placing balls or containers of strong spices around your patio, exterior windowsills or wherever else pigeons tend to gather around your property. The best spices to use are chili powder, cayenne pepper, black pepper or cinnamon.
Don’t make your property pigeon-friendly
If it’s easy for pigeons to settle, they will. Check your property for pigeon-friendly places such as soffits, vents, chimneys, gutters and large gaps. Anywhere up high is naturally going to be an inviting place for these birds to nest and start a family. You can use a fine mesh screen to cover these areas to discourage pigeons from setting up home there.
Call a pest controller
The best thing to do if you’re faced with a pigeon problem is to call a pest controller. Highly experienced in this field, they will be able to provide you with a range of deterrent and proofing solutions which will provide a long-term solution.
Source
Pigeon Patrol Products & Services is the leading manufacturer and distributor or bird deterrent (control) products in Canada. Pigeon Patrol products have solved pest bird problems in industrial, commercial, and residential settings since 2000, by using safe and humane bird
deterrents with only bird and animal friendly solutions. 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 Bird Gel and the best Ultrasonic and audible sound devices on the market today.
Voted Best Canadian wholesaler for Bird Deterrent products ten years in a row.
Contact us at 1 877-4-NO-BIRD,(604) 585-9279 or visit our website at www.pigeonpatrol.ca
Pigeon/Pigeon Patrol / Pigeons Roosing / Vancouver Pigeon Control / Bird Spikes / Bird Control / Bird Deterrent / PIgeon Deterrent / Surrey Pigeon Control / Pest / Seagull deterrent / Vancouver Pigeon Blog / Birds Inside Home / Pigeons in the cities / Ice Pigeons / What to do about pigeons / sparrows, Damage by Sparrows, How to Keep Raccoons Away, Why Are Raccoons Considered Pests / De-fence / Pigeon Nesting / Bird Droppings / Pigeon Dropping / woodpecker control / Professional Bird Control Company / Keep The Birds Away / Birds/rats/seagull/pigeon/woodpecker/dove/sparrow/pidgeon control/pidgeon problem/pidgeon control/flying rats/pigeon problems/ bird netting/bird gel/bird spray/bird nails/bird guard
by Pigeon Patrol | Jun 14, 2023 | Bird Spike, Pigeon Predators, Pigeon Spikes, Pigeons, Pigeons in the News, Raccoons, Sparrows, UltraSonic Bird Control
A study on a population of pigeons on the University of South Africa’s Muckleneuk campus was conducted over 2 years. Counts were conducted during a baseline year (March 2013–February 2014) to establish the pigeon population index inhabiting the campus buildings, and again in the management year (August 2014–August 2015) once Eagle Eyes™, Fire (Flash) Flags, bird spikes and a combination thereof were implemented on the buildings. An efficacy reduction percentage was determined for each of the control structures. The total pigeon index on the campus declined by 50 % once the control structures were implemented. Control structures; however, differed markedly in efficacy from each other. Whilst bird spikes indicated the highest efficacy at reducing the pigeon population index, seasonality also influenced the efficacy of the control structure. Quantified understanding of the efficacy of pigeon control measures allows urban management to make informed decisions about reducing pigeon populations.
Source
Pigeon Patrol Products & Services is the leading manufacturer and distributor or bird deterrent (control) products in Canada. Pigeon Patrol products have solved pest bird problems in industrial, commercial, and residential settings since 2000, by using safe and humane bird
deterrents with only bird and animal friendly solutions. 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 Bird Gel and the best Ultrasonic and audible sound devices on the market today.
Voted Best Canadian wholesaler for Bird Deterrent products ten years in a row.
Contact us at 1 877-4-NO-BIRD,(604) 585-9279 or visit our website at www.pigeonpatrol.ca
Pigeon/Pigeon Patrol / Pigeons Roosing / Vancouver Pigeon Control / Bird Spikes / Bird Control / Bird Deterrent / PIgeon Deterrent / Surrey Pigeon Control / Pest / Seagull deterrent / Vancouver Pigeon Blog / Birds Inside Home / Pigeons in the cities / Ice Pigeons / What to do about pigeons / sparrows, Damage by Sparrows, How to Keep Raccoons Away, Why Are Raccoons Considered Pests / De-fence / Pigeon Nesting / Bird Droppings / Pigeon Dropping / woodpecker control / Professional Bird Control Company / Keep The Birds Away / Birds/rats/seagull/pigeon/woodpecker/dove/sparrow/pidgeon control/pidgeon problem/pidgeon control/flying rats/pigeon problems/ bird netting/bird gel/bird spray/bird nails/bird guard
by Pigeon Patrol | Jun 14, 2023 | Bird Spike, Pigeon Predators, Pigeon Spikes, Pigeons, Pigeons in the News, Raccoons, Sparrows, UltraSonic Bird Control
Being a peregrine fanatic I’m kind of fond of pigeons – at least from the prey point of view – so when I was in downtown Pittsburgh on Sunday I stopped by Mellon Square to check out the scene.
Even for a peregrine falcon the number of pigeons at Mellon Square is way too much of a good thing. I counted more than 150 and I couldn’t see all of them. The pigeons outnumbered people more than 30 to 1.
This explains why peregrines hang out on the Oliver Building window sills. It’s like visiting an all-you-can-eat restaurant. The food may not be that great but there’s so much of it!
This kind of pigeon over-population repulses most people and they want a quick fix, the quickest being poison. But if you poison a pigeon, you’ll poison a peregrine. After a culling episode pigeons reproduce fast to fill the void – in fact lethal control actually increases the flock – but the peregrines take years to recover. And peregrines are endangered in Pennsylvania. It’s bad, bad, bad to poison an endangered species.
So what to do?
Pigeons need two things to reach the numbers found at Mellon Square: lots of food and places to nest. They reproduce in direct proportion to their food supply. If food is scarce some won’t nest at all. If food is plentiful they lay the next clutch of eggs before the first set has hatched, producing more than 12 chicks per year.
The food problem is obvious. Sidewalks at Mellon Square are coated with bird seed. Control the food source (the people who feed them) and you’ve got most of the problem licked. To make a really dramatic difference, control the nest sites as well.
City pigeons nest on buildings and bridges. They also nest in buildings. Find the buildings involved and spend the time and money to block the access holes. Last summer the University of Pittsburgh cleaned the Cathedral of Learning and blocked off the pigeon nest holes as part of the cleaning job. One year later there are far fewer pigeons at Schenley Plaza.
And finally, there’s a foolproof solution that makes both the pigeon-feeders and the pigeon-haters happy. Many European cities have solved their pigeon problem permanently by building dovecotes and pigeon lofts. Yes, they built nest sites. They control the population at the dovecotes by substituting dummy eggs and they control the food level by giving pigeon lovers an approved place to feed and interact with the birds.
This keeps the pigeons and the birdseed off the street. An elegant solution.
Source
Pigeon Patrol Products & Services is the leading manufacturer and distributor or bird deterrent (control) products in Canada. Pigeon Patrol products have solved pest bird problems in industrial, commercial, and residential settings since 2000, by using safe and humane bird
deterrents with only bird and animal friendly solutions. 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 Bird Gel and the best Ultrasonic and audible sound devices on the market today.
Voted Best Canadian wholesaler for Bird Deterrent products ten years in a row.
Contact us at 1 877-4-NO-BIRD,(604) 585-9279 or visit our website at www.pigeonpatrol.ca
Pigeon/Pigeon Patrol / Pigeons Roosing / Vancouver Pigeon Control / Bird Spikes / Bird Control / Bird Deterrent / PIgeon Deterrent / Surrey Pigeon Control / Pest / Seagull deterrent / Vancouver Pigeon Blog / Birds Inside Home / Pigeons in the cities / Ice Pigeons / What to do about pigeons / sparrows, Damage by Sparrows, How to Keep Raccoons Away, Why Are Raccoons Considered Pests / De-fence / Pigeon Nesting / Bird Droppings / Pigeon Dropping / woodpecker control / Professional Bird Control Company / Keep The Birds Away / Birds/rats/seagull/pigeon/woodpecker/dove/sparrow/pidgeon control/pidgeon problem/pidgeon control/flying rats/pigeon problems/ bird netting/bird gel/bird spray/bird nails/bird guard
by Pigeon Patrol | Jun 14, 2023 | Bird Spike, Pigeon Predators, Pigeon Spikes, Pigeons, Pigeons in the News, Raccoons, Sparrows, UltraSonic Bird Control
These were the words of Victor Newton as he wrote for the Aberdeen Press and Journal in 1943, describing ‘how pigeons play their part in war.’ And so, in this special blog, we will discover how pigeons were used in both the First World War and Second World War, unearthing stories of their great bravery through the pages of our newspapers.
As Leslie Saxthorpe wrote prior to the outbreak of the Second World War in the Nottingham Journal, ‘it is impossible to quote all the self-sacrificing deeds that stand to the ever-lasting honour of the birds,’ but this blog will go some way to celebrating the homing and carrier pigeons who helped to save lives, whilst putting themselves in extreme danger.
An Old Fashioned Post in Modern War
The outbreak of the First World War saw the tragic collision of antiquated military tactics with the latest advances in technology. As such, it also saw the introduction of modern methods of communication; however, these did not prove to be reliable, as one American correspondent noted in 1916, whilst stationed behind the German lines:
It is impossible to depend on telephonic communications…so often are the wires cut and so dangerous is it to repair them. This has led to the revival of carrier-pigeon communication, not for long distances, but as the only dependable medium of communication from the front to the rear.
Indeed, the British, French and German armies were all using carrier pigeons as a method of communication, as did the American army when they joined the conflict. Pigeons were employed to carry messages between the lines, and in 1915 the Illustrated London News pictures ‘The Pigeon-Express.’ Housed in a converted motor-bus, these pigeons were the ‘winged messengers’ of the French army.
Pigeons were also used by airmen, the Illustrated London News explaining how ‘every seaplane carries two birds, to send duplicate emergency messages…they replace wireless in small vessels, and some sea planes.’
And so it is no surprise that in 1918 the Boston Guardian carried this stern message:
Farmers who are in the habit of shooting pigeons should be careful to confine their attention only to wood-pigeons. They should remember that HM Government to-day employ large numbers of homing pigeons, which are to be met with all over the country. The destruction of these trained birds by thoughtless gunners may entrail serious consequences….Their work is a matter of life and death to our fighting men, and many a man alive to-day owes his life to the speed of the homing pigeon.
Heavy penalties were set to be issued to those who harmed any homing pigeons – for they were the heroes of the sky, and necessitated protection from those ‘thoughtless persons’ intent on a bit of sport.
Moreover, newspapers from the First World War abounded with stories relating to the pigeons who had been instrumental in saving lives – and here are just a selection of them.
Skipper Crisp – A Forlorn Hope
The Illustrated London News in March 1918 pictures the ‘forlorn-hope messenger’ that mortally wounded Skipper T Crisp RNR sent off, in a desperate attempt to seek assistance. His vessel, the ‘‘Nelson’ had been attacked by a U-boat. Dying, Crisp managed to affix a ‘hastily scribbled message’ to a pigeon, which read: ‘Nelson’ being attacked by submarine – Skipper killed – send assistance at once.’
The rest of the crew was saved, as relates the Boston Guardian, ‘but only through the timely arrival of their pigeon messenger.’ As for the heroic Crisp, he was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross by King George V.
Cher Ami – A Wartime Celebrity
Perhaps the most famous pigeon to emerge from the First World War was Cher Ami. In an article some twenty years later penned by Leslie Saxthorpe for the Nottingham Journal, Saxthorpe relates how English-born Cher Ami ‘by its marvelous courage saved an American battalion from being wiped out.’
The so-called ‘Lost Battalion,’ commanded by Major Charles Whittlesey, was ‘being subjected to fierce artillery fire; and the field telegraph had been cut.’ The only recourse was messenger pigeon. Saxthorpe relates how six pigeons were sent by the Major on this perilous rescue message, ‘one by one, only to see them fall.’
The seventh was Cher Ami, who ‘got away, although hit.’ Shrapnel had broken his breastbone, whilst his right leg had been shot away. But despite these devastating injuries, Cher Ami was able to fly the 25 miles needed to fetch help, and the battalion was saved. Thankfully, he recovered from his wounds and was taken to the United States, where he received a welcome ‘as if he had been General Lafayette come to life again.’
When Cher Ami eventually passed away, ‘full of years and honour,’ his body was placed in Washington’s Smithsonian Institute.
The Mine-Sweepers’ Hope
Less exalted than its feted American cousin, but still as brave, was a bird known as the ‘Mine Sweepers’ Hope.’ The Nottingham Journal tells of how this particular pigeon braved the ‘North Sea under all conditions,’ arriving ‘time after time from over the waters, landing at a spot in Essex, sometimes half-frozen, carrying messages.’ One of these message was news of a Zeppelin attack on mine-sweepers, the first of its kind, and ‘the news enabled planes to be sent and the airships were driven off.’
Another pigeon was responsible for saving lives at sea, after a ‘flying boat and hyrdoplane got into difficulties in stormy weather.’ With all lives on board threatened, the Boston Guardian tells of how a pigeon was released with a message requesting help. ‘In the teeth of a fierce wind the gallant bird fought its way home, only to die from exhaustion on its arrival.’ But the message was safely delivered; ‘assistance was sent with all speed, and the lives of both crews were saved.’
Meanwhile, former cricketer Harold Gilligan got into difficulties whilst flying over the German Fleet, his aircraft having been struck by a piece of shrapnel. The aircraft made a crash landing in the sea, and four pigeons were sent to cover the enormous distance home – some 400 miles. The Nottigham Journal reports how ‘only one of the birds got through,’ the distance being so great, and the weather condition being so awful. Finally, the exhausted pigeon landed on the coast of Norfolk, and was found by the coastguard. The airmen were eventually rescued after three days.
With over 100,000 birds attached to both the Allied and the German forces, these stories represent a fraction of the bravery shown by the feathered battalions during the First World War. And with the advent of the Second World War, would their services again be required?
More Homing Pigeons Than Ever
The answer to this was a clear yes; pigeons were in more demand than ever. The Aberdeen Press and Journal in 1943 relates how ‘despite modern scientific instruments the homing pigeon still finds employment. There are now more homing pigeons than there ever were.’
Used by the RAF on their ‘bombing raids,’ pigeons accompanied an aircraft in case it was shot down, bringing ‘word of the exact location of the crew.’ Meanwhile, in North Africa, pigeons were being used with great effect in desert warfare.
The Illustrated London News reports how the Royal Corps of Signals ‘is using carrier-pigeons in the Western Desert as a valuable alternative method of communication when telephone wires are cut and it is impossible to use wireless,’ just like the armies of the First World War. Touchingly, the pigeon handlers were picked from men ‘who were pigeon fanciers in civil life.’
The Illustrated London News reports on the success of the endeavor, and pictures two particular pigeons, Crusader and The Blue, ‘who carried the first battle pictures in the Western desert.’
The Dickin Medal – ‘We Also Serve’
The Dickin Medal was established by PDSA founder Maria Dickin in 1943 to honour the work of animals in the Second World War, and it is little wonder that pigeons have received the most Dickin Awards, totaling 32 between 1943 and 1949 – dogs having received 18.
Here we celebrate a handful of these feathered winners from the Second World War.
Take Winkie, who received the Dickin Medal for saving an air crew. According to the Illustrated London News, after her plane crashed, she ‘fell into the oil-covered sea.’ Freeing herself, she flew the 120 miles back to base, and ‘the search for the crew was then successfully redirected.’
There was also a royal winner of the award, King George VI’s own racing pigeon Royal Blue. As reported in the Liverpool Echo in 1945, Royal Blue had been ‘sent on war service in 1940,’ and had since displayed ‘outstanding achievement.’
Commando, and seven other pigeons, were on display at the ‘To Victory with the RAF‘ exhibition in London. Commando was particularly notable, for he ‘made ninety operational trips over enemy territory,’ and had been presented with the Dickin Medal for his valiant efforts.
Meanwhile in June 1945, the Newcastle Evening Chronicle reports on the exploits of two more brave pigeons, who also received the Dickin Medal. William of Orange was honoured for his role in the ‘airborne operations at Arnhem,’ whilst his contemporary Ruhr Express was dropped ‘by parachute within enemy lines 300 miles from base and brought back valuable information in record time.’
Tommy, a carrier-pigeon, had a slightly circuitous route to his award. Injured, he had strayed to the Netherlands in 1942, where Mr D Dryver nursed him back to health. When Tommy had recovered, Mr Dryver sent him ‘back to England with valuable information.’ The Illustrated London News reports how Tommy received the Dickin Medal for his services, whilst his Dutch saviour was given ‘two RAF pigeons in token of his good services, and his courage and presence of mind.’
Rounding of our roster of brave pigeons are the two ‘D-Day Pigeons.’ The Daily Mirror in January 1947 reports how they were awarded the Dickin Medal ‘for flying from France with early news of the invasion.’ One of the brave pigeons died soon afterwards, ‘on another operational flight.’
There are of course many other pigeons who made the ultimate sacrifice; these mentioned here represent a fraction of those who displayed bravery in testing conditions.
Source
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