by johnnymarin | Nov 1, 2018 | Pigeons in the News
This week’s insane SUPERSTAR jackpot got us thinking about life and luck. Black cats and broken mirrors might be internationally-recognised omens of bad luck but Malta has its fair share of spooky and downright silly superstitions.
Here are seven of Malta’s strangest superstitions that many islanders still believe in.
1. Spilling wine is actually a good omen
OK, so you’re at a lunch, wearing your favourite (and obviously white or light blue) outfit, sitting across the table from your kunjata, and in between the excited banter and the constant commotion, you end up spilling wine.
Some of it goes all over the tablecloth, and of course some of it ruins your perfectly fine (and probably expensive) outfit… not to mention your kunjata’s new blouse. Well, your gut reaction might be rage (and infinite shame), but don’t worry; if this one superstition is to believed, what you’ve done is actually invoked a good omen. Go figure.
2. Killing a black moth will give you bad luck
Look, we know moths are basically edgy nocturnal butterflies, but there are a lot of people out there who just don’t like the furry fliers. Add a menacing black coating to the mix, and you’re looking at a lot of people who will gladly kill the fluttering moths.
If you’re one for superstitions, though, we’d recommend rethinking that swatting; turns out killing a black moth will actually give you bad luck. Although to be very honest, this sounds like a rumour started by the moth themselves.
3. Having a pigeon sh*t on you is a good thing
Yes, really. At least, if you’re superstitious.
There’s a certain unholy coincidence and irritating irony to when this happens. Normally, it’s while you’re walking into Valletta wearing a full suit, probably already feeling hot and sweaty.
This sticky icing on the cake is enough to push even the calmest islander over the edge, but fret not; it turns out the sh*tty episode is actually a sign of good things to come. Good luck convincing people who come face-to-face with you and that new statement piece sitting on your shoulder though.
4. A woman on her period cannot work in a bakery or vineyard
As in, she can. But she’ll end up ruining the taste of the finished produced. Just by literally being present. Cool.
Turns out there’s one thing that’s even more frustrating than implying a woman is having a bad day because she’s on her period… and it’s telling her to get out because she’s going to spoil the next batch of vino.
6. Putting a colourful eye on your boat will protect you from evil
One of Malta’s most beautiful traditions is also quite strange when you really think about it.
Believed to be a contemporary nod at Osiris (or Horus) – the Phoenician god of protection from evil – the eyes can be seen on the front of countless colourful luzzus all over the island.
From the southern fishing village of Marsaxlokk to the northern coastal area of St. Paul’s Bay, many a bright fishing boat has its own set of decorated eyes, making the traditional luzzu look like a hilarious – and very colourful – sea unicorn.
7. Having a set of ‘magic numbers’ increases your chances of winning the lottery
Sure, it’s random and there’s a very long list of possible combinations, but no: we’ll stick to our own favourite set of digits, thank you very much.
This superstition is very popular in Malta, with people choosing combinations based on their birthday, number of children, or even house number. Throw numbers like 3, 7 and 13 in the mix, and you’re looking at a constant juggle between lucky and unlucky ‘magic numbers’.
It’s all taken one step further on that one special (read: sad) day when you don’t play your numbers and some of them actually are drawn! See, maybe they were magic after all.
About Pigeon Patrol:
Pigeon Patrol Products & Services is the leading manufacturer and distributor of 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 Gel and the best Ultrasonic and audible sound devices on the market today.
Voted Best Canadian wholesaler for Bird Deterrent products four years in a row.
Contact Info: 1- 877– 4– NO-BIRD (www.pigeonpatrol.ca)
by johnnymarin | Oct 31, 2018 | Pigeons in the News
Pigeon fanciers are being asked to come forward to rehome a flock of unclaimed domestic birds.
The RSPCA wildlife centre in Nantwich is on the lookout for bird-lovers to re-home a total of 20 domestic pigeons which have found their way into the care of staff there.
Stapeley Grange regularly receives a number of domestic birds throughout the year, but particularly during the quieter winter months when there is less wildlife in the hospital but it can be difficult to find new homes for them.
Many of the pigeons are ex-racers but there are also fancy pigeons who are looking for new homes.
Lee Stewart, manager at Stapeley Grange, which is based in London Road, said: “All animals deserve a second chance and we are always keen to find new homes for every domestic pigeon which comes through our doors, if we are unable to reunite them with their owner.
“It can be hard finding new homes for them as not many people have the facilities to house pigeons. We are keen for anyone who would like to rehome our pigeons to get in touch with us.”
One of the pigeons which is currently looking for a new home was found grounded in Sandbach on September 7.
After two weeks care and recovery, he is now on the lookout for a new home as his original owner can’t be traced.
Lee added: “Before deciding to rehome any birds it’s important to consider if you have the knowledge, time, facilities, money and commitment needed to care for them.
About Pigeon Patrol:
Pigeon Patrol Products & Services is the leading manufacturer and distributor of 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 Gel and the best Ultrasonic and audible sound devices on the market today.
Voted Best Canadian wholesaler for Bird Deterrent products four years in a row.
Contact Info: 1- 877– 4– NO-BIRD (www.pigeonpatrol.ca)
by johnnymarin | Oct 30, 2018 | Pigeon Patrol's Services
A unanimous vote has officially made it illegal to feed the pigeons in public in the City of Las Vegas.
Ward 1 councilwoman Lois Tarkanian sponsored the bill. She said the city received numerous complaints about pigeon problems, and it came down to a health issue. Their droppings, she says, can be toxic and can even carry diseases.
News 3 spoke with a pest control expert who explained that when people feed pigeons, more pigeons will show up and expect food at that location. they flock there, reproduce, and thus create more waste.
Meanwhile, the expert says, that food source disappears, but the pigeons don’t necessarily leave. As a result, the street feeders have created a problem for the pigeons.
This may sound like a silly crime — but there are similar laws in place in Henderson and in Clark County.
It does bring up the question — how does the city plan on enforcing it?
Well, if you’re caught feeding them on the streets, there is a chance you’d be reported to the city.
Violators of the new pigeon law could face fines up to $1,000 and even up to six months behind bars.
About Pigeon Patrol:
Pigeon Patrol Products & Services is the leading manufacturer and distributor of 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 Gel and the best Ultrasonic and audible sound devices on the market today.
Voted Best Canadian wholesaler for Bird Deterrent products four years in a row.
Contact Info: 1- 877– 4– NO-BIRD (www.pigeonpatrol.ca)
by johnnymarin | Oct 29, 2018 | Pigeons in the News
Two sisters in Hong Kong have taken it on their shoulders to rescue and nurse wounded pigeons in their area.
The sisters, named Inez and Gian, run their group “Hong Kong Pigeon and Dove Rescue” on Facebook where they promote awareness on the welfare of the magnificently plumed birds.
Their initiative was founded four years ago, after Gian rescued a pigeon and took it to the veterinarian for check up. According the South China Morning Post on Oct. 13, Gian had to go to many veterinarians until one was willing enough to look at the injured pigeon. The pigeon was eventually put down.
“Looking back, I think I could’ve nursed it back to health and kept it,” Gian was quoted as saying. “Even if it never flew again, at least it would’ve lived.”
This moment was what compelled Gian and Inez, both in their 30s, to finally push through with their pigeon rescue group. Many friends supported the sisters in their initiative and, in just a year, had over a thousand members in the Facebook community.
“There aren’t many locally available pigeon care resources and providers, unlike those for cats and dogs,” Gian added. “So we created a platform where people can exchange pigeon care tips and learn how to care for sick and injured pigeons without professional intervention.”
Despite their vast efforts, however, there are still people who think lowly of pigeons and scorn at the sisters’ undertaking. Some are also misinformed when it comes to the birds, and automatically connect pigeons with diseases. For Inez and Gian, however, pigeons are just victims of prejudice.
“Many people automatically associate pigeons with avian flu, partly because of public health campaigns,” Gian said in the report. “I see where they’re coming from, but I hope they would delve deeper into this issue instead of simply believing everything they hear.”
About Pigeon Patrol:
Pigeon Patrol Products & Services is the leading manufacturer and distributor of 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 Gel and the best Ultrasonic and audible sound devices on the market today.
Voted Best Canadian wholesaler for Bird Deterrent products four years in a row.
Contact Info: 1- 877– 4– NO-BIRD (www.pigeonpatrol.ca)
by johnnymarin | Oct 28, 2018 | Bird Deterrent Products
Representative image AHMEDABAD: A man and his son were beaten by three persons over an alleged theft of pigeons in the Madhavpura area of the city late on Monday night. The complainant, Gulzar Qureshi (51), and his son Arman (16) were sleeping at the terrace of their house in Rustam Mill’s Chawl in Madhavpura when three unknown persons rushed there and started asking why Qureshi’s son had stolen four of their pigeons. “The three persons abused and assaulted me while asking about their pigeons. On seeing me being beaten by them, my son Arman intervened but they then started beating him as well. During the fight, my son fell from the terrace and suffered a fracture in his leg,” said Qureshi. Qureshi then began shouting for help and as people from his neighbourhood gathered, the three men fled. Qureshi and his son were taken to Civil Hospital in Asarwa, where Arman was hospitalized. Madhavpura police lodged a complaint of assault, using abusive language, and abetment, against three unknown persons.
About Pigeon Patrol:
Pigeon Patrol Products & Services is the leading manufacturer and distributor of 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 Gel and the best Ultrasonic and audible sound devices on the market today.
Voted Best Canadian wholesaler for Bird Deterrent products four years in a row.
Contact Info: 1- 877– 4– NO-BIRD (www.pigeonpatrol.ca)
