by johnnymarin | Jul 4, 2018 | Pigeons in the News
Forest officials of Unai range in Tapi district detained eight tribal youths and stripped them for allegedly hunting birds like sparrows, mynahs and pigeons on Tuesday. The eight youths, who had to spend the whole night in detention in their underpants, were released on Wednesday after each of them paid a penalty of Rs 1,000.
Range Forest Officer Raghuveersingh Kosada justified the officials’ action on the tribals youths, saying, “the purpose of stripping them was to help them understand the importance of birds as it is also living beings and they should not be killed”.
Kosada said the sarpanch of Pati village, from where the eight youths hail, have been warned against any more such activities. “We have strictly told the village sarpanch and parents of those arrested that such activities of killing birds will not be entertained,” the Forest Officer said.
Defending the youths’ action , village sarpanch Dilkhush Gamit said: “There is a general tradition that the village youths go into the forest and kill birds and cook a meal of it. Our village youngsters had not killed peacock or any other animal. They were just sparrows, mynahs and pigeons. This kind of punishment of stripping them is new to us. We all illiterate and afraid of them (officials), so we cannot do anything against them.”
One of the arrested youth’s father called the forest officials action “harsh”. “My son helps me in the agricultural field, and during night he left home to meet his friends. It is quite routine that youths go to forest and hunt birds. It’s the tradition of our tribal community. To make our children naked and detain them for whole night in the forest office is a harsh punishment. Till now, no forest officer resorted to such an action,” the father said.
According to forest officials, they received a complaint about youths of Pati village in Dolvan taluka hunting birds and cooking their meat inside the forest. Acting on it, the forest officials carried out night patrolling on Tuesday when they detained eight youths. On frisking, officials claimed, they recovered a catapult and carcasses of pigeons, mynahs and sparrows from their bags. They were brought to Unai Range forest office and booked under Wildlife Protection Act before they were stripped to their underwear.
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 | Jul 1, 2018 | Pigeons in the News
In New York City you can make reports of unsanitary conditions caused by pigeons, including odor and excessive droppings on:
- Window ledges
- Sidewalks
- Exteriors of commercial and residential properties
You cannot make complaints about pigeon droppings from:
- Street lamps
- Telephone or utility poles
- Overpasses
- Bridges
- Transportation facilities
- Public parks
It is not illegal to feed pigeons, but you may receive a violation for failing to clean up unsanitary conditions that result from this activity.
If you are a property owner, you are required to clean up unsanitary pigeon conditions on or originating from their property. You must provide the name and full address of the property owner for the City to take action.
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 | Jun 30, 2018 | Pigeons in the News
Dear Answer Man: I noticed the other day that there are very few pigeons flying around downtown. I used to love watching their superbly synchronized acrobatics, as squadrons of perhaps 100 birds took flight. Sadly, lately I’ve seen just a handful of pigeons. Did some institution get tired of cleaning up after them, like the owners of the Old Opera House in Pine Island did a few weeks ago? — A Sad Lover of Pigeons
Well, Sad Lover, some days you’re the pigeon and some days you’re the statue. And while it sounds like you were happy as a lark when the bird population soared, right now, they’re scarcer than hen’s teeth.
My first call was to Mike Nigbur, who is in charge of the city’s crow-scaring efforts. He did not know of any pigeon decline downtown. His guess was that Mayo’s peregrine falcon program may have caused the pigeons to chicken out.
Replacing one bird population with another? That would be a little hawkward.
Tom Behrens, Mayo’s facilities chief in charge of the peregrine program, thinks that’s a likely explanation, though.
“The falcons will take some pigeons out, but not a lot — especially when there’s no young,” he said. “But the pigeons learn not to get into big groups, because they know they’re vulnerable that way.”
What’s likely happening, dear reader, is a general spreading-out — not a thinning of the flock. The smaller birds are nesting farther away from downtown, and when they do show up here, they’re in smaller groups. Kind of like how you spread spinach around your plate to make your parents think you’ve eaten it.
Jackie Fallon of the Midwest Peregrine Society backed that up.
“I would not say that the peregrines would cause a significant decline in the pigeon population, but they may alter the behavior of the pigeons to roost or move away from the immediate vicinity of the nesting buildings at Mayo,” she said.
Mike Tenney, the area wildlife supervisor for the DNR, said the pigeon population could potentially drop due to disease or predation from other animals.
Jaime Edwards, also of the DNR, was not aware of any efforts to control the pigeon population (via poison or any other man-made means). It’s not an uncommon action, she said, but pigeon control usually occurs around grain loading areas and elevators — neither of which you’re likely to find walking around downtown.
West Nile virus has disappeared from headlines for a bit, Edwards said, but that doesn’t mean the animal population can sleep easy. Pigeons are still susceptible to the fowl disease, which could have an effect on the population.
Finally, she mentioned that when we have “goofy springs like this” (read: unending slogs of cold, wet weather), it’s hard for birds to incubate their nests warmly enough to hatch eggs. So over a short period of time, you’ll start seeing fewer birds downtown.
Behrens, though, reassured me that pigeons breed year-round, and the population probably hasn’t decreased.
In the end, the answer may be for the birds. Pigeons aren’t native to Minnesota, so Edwards said the DNR isn’t tracking any fluctuations in the population.
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 | Jun 28, 2018 | Pigeons in the News
Most of us see pigeons pretty much every day, pecking around for food, or perching on buildings.
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 | Jun 27, 2018 | Pigeons in the News
A racing pigeon is a registered homing pigeon.
These pigeons are dropped off in a location and have to make their way back to their home in Amarillo. Each pigeon has to make it back to their loft and once they cross the antenna, their time is recorded on a clock. The flying speed is broke down into yards per minute to determine the winner.
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 | Jun 23, 2018 | Pigeons in the News
Metellus Chipman is no stranger to the world of culture and entertainment in The Bahamas. He is a young, talented entrepreneur who has made a name for himself with his flair for our culture. He stands on the great shoulders of his mother and grandparents, whose contribution to culture in this country is immeasurable. He is known as a fun-loving, outgoing individual who is always ready to entertain guests at his Arawak Cay stall. But Metellus says many people don’t know the real him – a family man who spends most of his spare time in his backyard tending to his fruit trees, vegetable and flowering plants and breeding his beloved birds – pigeons.
#I had the same reaction many have when they first hear about his hobby: “Pigeons?”
#Yes, pigeons. Healthy, beautiful pigeons from around the world are at home in Metellus’ backyard. He taught me to appreciate these birds in a whole new way. As president of a group of 30 pigeon breeders called the “The Pigeon Nation”, he’s on a mission to get kids in the inner city off the streets and into a hobby that could steer them in the right path towards future success. He knows that one by one, if we continue to invest in programmes like these, we can offer young people viable solutions to today’s vexing social ills and create a more prosperous nation in the future.
#Pigeon breeding is very much a part of Bahamian culture, he contends: “Every Bahamain person knows someone that keeps pigeons. It’s a part of our culture. I grew up doing it, my father and uncles grew up doing it, and they are in their 60s and 70s… so how many generations of Bahamians have been raising pigeons? If you have a company bringing 40ft containers of pigeon feed into this country, it indicates that a large population of pigeons are here.”
#“If you put your time into it, you will get something back. I come home in the evening, I sit down in my bird cage and relax. I have learned to live healthier from taking care of them. I have to give my birds organic apple cider vinegar and cod liver oil constantly to keep them healthy. They can get the cold, just like us. I have to give them organic, non-gmo grains and so I learned to eat that way too.”
#I sat face to face in the bird cage with Metellus as he proudly showed off about 100 pigeons including the Indian Fantail, German and English Trumpeters, Hungarians, the local rock dove, and a unique home-bred species his group calls the “Bahamian Kingbop”. They have a range of beautiful colours and some with interesting attributes like hooded eyes and feathered feet. For those concerned about the noise, these birds actually make a lovely cooing sound that sounded calming as we sat for the interview.
#Metellus recalled a childhood memory that stuck with him. As a young boy, he was skating home with a pigeon in hand. He fell, but kept his hand up and kept the bird safe. He realised that having something to care for makes kids more conscientious, responsible and careful in their own lives. He now wants to pass on his love for the birds to yet another generation, with a focus on the inner city youths that often have too much idle time during after school hours. If they can get into a hobby that could generate income, more young people susceptible to the street life would be interested in being involved in something positive. Metellus says even criminals have a love for animals and can be better rehabilitated this way.
#“I used to be in the club, partying and having fun, but then I met my wife and I settled down,” he shares.
#“I am a simple person. I love nature, love to help people, and I stay humble. I am 6ft 2in and 250 pounds. I could be aggressive, but that’s not the right way to go about life. I have to set an example and as president of the group, it starts with me. It’s time for all of us to grow.”
#“My wife says, either you are to work or in your bird cage, but at least she knows where I am. It’s a business and a mental release. I can come on the back here and sit; I am off the streets not bothering anyone, and I can get my kids involved in something positive. It also helps my family financially. The other day I sold a pair of fan feathers for $200. So ten pairs of quality birds can help pay your bills. Everyone has a hobby. This is our hobby. You should spend time with what you love.”
#The Pigeon Nation is gaining new members by freely giving a pair of birds to young people whose parents permit them to start taking care of them. Members make a home visit and help with guidance on building the cage and caring for the birds, including advising visits to a veterinarian. The success of their club ensures that more varieties of pigeons are available on the island. Bahamians can be found taking their birds to the US and as far away as Germany for competitions. The goal is to attract international judges to come to The Bahamas for a competition. The club held its third successful local showing and judging on Arawak Cay on Sunday. The club includes breeders in Eleuthera and Ragged Island, where some bakers on the island prefer pigeon eggs to make their cakes a little fluffier.
#Metellus was awarded crown land and is utilising it to create a farm and a new home for his birds. Then, he will seek to establish an after school programme and provide transport for inner city children to come out to the farm and care for the birds. Kids just love the birds, he says, adding that an 11-year-old won a recent local competition. There are other bird clubs in the country, and they interact with them as well and purchase other breeds they don’t have. Bird keeping, he said, is yet another extension of Bahamian culture.
#It’s in his DNA to be an ambassador for culture. His grandfather, the legendary John “Chippie” Chipman is nearing 90 years old and is still going strong, still working as a performer. His style of drum beating is known to evoke emotion and represent a stirring display of African and Lucayan heritage. Chippie has performed around the world representing the country, and is patriarch to a large family which has contributed much in various sectors of society, including Mp Reece Chipman and former MP Hubert Chipman. His grandmother, the late Rebecca “Becky” Chipman was adored as the queen of fire dance and Goombay in her day. His mother, Mitzie Chipman, followed in her mother’s footsteps as an extraordinary entertainer, having performed with her mother from as far back as 1969 during the Goombay Summer, a Bahamian festival of highlighting local culture, food and music.
#Metellus first attended TG Glover Primary School before moving on to Miami Jackson Senior High and then Youngstown University in Ohio, where he played football and earned a bachelor’s degree in fine art. He loves to paint and is also a well-known dancer, but rarely has the time for those in this season of his life. He is also a trained masseuse, but is mostly spending time at his Arawak Cay stall where he sells sky juice and coconut water fresh from the nut.
#He won the Mr Caribbean competition in Jamaica representing his country, beating out neighbouring countries for the top prize. He also won the Mr World Bahamas competition in 2007 and represented The Bahamas in China, where he won the talent competition. His dance was an ode to “The Obeah Man” the late Tony McKay, a performance that stole the hearts of the judges.
#Pondering on great cultural giants like McKay and his grandfather, he mused: “There are so many cultural leaders out there. The same way how we have big bulletin boards with our track stars on them, we should have our cultural giants on billboards. Kids today want to be the next reggae or pop star because that’s all they are hearing or seeing. But with Bahamian culture, they can make a living. We need to make it lucrative. When they see they can make a living from it, they will get interested in it.”
#“God gave me the idea to start this group and I see it changing lives. Someone who was on drugs; someone who lost his wife; someone in a wheelchair, all rehabilitating themselves while doing something they love. He gave me the vision and I am fulfilling it and I see it changing lives.”
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)
