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)
by johnnymarin | Jun 22, 2018 | Pigeons in the News
Three baby peregrine falcons hatched in a nesting box at the South Grand Island Bridge in Western New York about three weeks ago.
The NYS Thruway Authority has installed peregrine falcons nesting boxes at several bridges across its 570-mile system since the late 1980s. As part of its biodiversity/endangered species project, the nesting creates a safe place away from human interference. Also, the falcons help keep pigeons off the bridges.
According to the Thruway, pigeon droppings are harmful to the bridges’ paint and steel. By keeping the pigeons at bay, the bridge structures last longer.
There is no formal naming of the birds, according to a Thruway spokesperson. Although last year, students named the falcons at the Tappan Zee Bridge in a naming contest.
The nesting program at the North Grand Island Bridge started in 2005, and at the South Grand Island Bridge in 2009. More than 70 baby falcons have hatched there since the nesting boxes were installed.
Baby falcons are called eyasses. According to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, the word “peregrine” means “wanderer” or “pilgrim.” They were virtually eradicated from eastern North America by pesticide poisoning in the middle 20th century.
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 21, 2018 | Pigeon Patrol's Services
Ducks, geese, pigeons and fancy bantams were preened and pampered for a poultry show at the West End Hall earlier this month.
The Timaru Poultry Pigeon and Cage Bird Club’s annual show returned for its second year on May 19 and 20.
It attracted 420 entries from as far away as the West Coast, Nelson, Christchurch and Oamaru.
Show manager Trish Andrews said it was a great success.
”It’s been really, really busy. We had a lot of public through yesterday and we sold a lot of birds,” she said on the Sunday.
”We’ve had an absolute blast really and we’ve had a couple of new members [sign up] as well, so it’s been a really good show.”
Blustery weather on the second day was no deterrent to people wanting a glimpse of the poultry on display.
Doug Whitelock, of Timaru, was among those who was impressed by the variety on offer.
”It’s an awesome display. Most enjoyable,” he said.
Christchurch Poultry Pigeon and Bantam Club president Mark Lilley, of Rolleston, was among the many entrants who returned home with accolades.
He received the coveted Peerless Trophy, something he had wanted to win since it was rediscovered in an attic five years ago, ending an almost 50-year mystery as to its whereabouts.
”It ended up being found about five years ago in a ceiling space when a lady passed away and her kids were cleaning up her house,” Mr Lilley said.
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 20, 2018 | Pigeon Patrol's Services
PIGEONS face eviction from a favourite roost as Knutsford Town Council seeks to tackle a major fouling problem on an historic town centre building.
The council is seeking approval to install netting and spikes on the Grade Two listed building at 60 King Street, which is home to the Belle Epoque restaurant.
A survey by Rentokil said feral pigeons were roosting on ledges, pipework, open windows, tower ledges and rooftops.
It found evidence of pigeons in the window, roof top, couch and tower areas, on the side of the building and roosting inside a window, and fouling across the front of the building and the pavement.
As a result there had been a build-up of pigeon droppings on the roosting areas and the areas below.
The company warned the level of fouling was a potential slip hazard for staff and visitors, and the droppings were also a potential health hazard as they contained bacteria and insects harmful to people.
Such insects could spread to the inside of the building if not appropriately treated, said the company.
The plan is to install netting to the windows on the tower, building and side building, and bird points, which are blunted to avoid harming the pigeons, on ledges and pipework.
The cost of the netting, bird point system and clearance of the current bird fouling would be almost £6,000.
The fouling problem was referred to by Belle Epoque owner Matthew Mooney alongside his complaint to the town council in relation to the repairs and maintenance of the exterior of 60 King Street.
In an article in the Guardian Mr Mooney said he had asked the town council for several years to clean the passageway at the side of 60 King Street of pigeon droppings.
In response to Mr Mooney’s complaint the council said it disputed that it had responsibility to clean the exterior of the building of pigeon mess.
However it had put in place plans to minimise pigeon roosting on the building, which required listed building consent, about which the council’s agent had been in discussions with the Conservation Officer.
The council has now submitted an application to Cheshire East Council for listed building consent to install bird netting and bird points to the former Kings coffee house and Gaskell Memorial Tower which form the Grade Two listed building at 60 King Street.
“Knutsford Town Council, as owners of 60 King Street, has a duty of care to maintain and repair the building due to its listed status,” said a report by Fisher German accompanying the application.
The report said the proposed work was needed to solve the bird pest issues and keep the property in good repair and condition, and the work would take four days.
“The impact upon the historic and architectural significance of the site will be minimal,” said the report.
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 19, 2018 | Pigeon Patrol's Services
Home Affairs Minister Michael Farrugia confirmed that no action was taken against the mayor of Vittoriosa following the killing of pigeons in his home town last year.
Replying to a parliamentary question made by PN MP Mario Galea, Farrugia explained that the process of culling has been used other times and in other localities. He also said that the necessary arrangements were made with the competent authorities.
The culling of a number of pigeons carried in Vittoriosa last year had many people including several animal activists raging. The culling was carried out by five men carrying airguns in broad daylight in an attempt to control the rising pigeon populations.
The Environment Ministry had at the time condemned the culling saying there were other ways of reducing pigeon populations. The Ministry had remarked that they would investigate the matter and take any action necessary. It had also said that the shooting of pigeons was against the government policy of controlling wild pigeon populations.
Farrugia confirmed through another parliamentary question that the police of the Cospicua district were only present at the culling to keep order and as a precaution.
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)
