by johnnymarin | Sep 1, 2017 | Pigeon Patrol's Services
They waddle on the yellow line next to the BART tracks. They scavenge for food scraps left by residents and tourists alike. They nest in the rafters and other nooks around the Powell Street BART station. And they splatter the station with guano.
The presence of rock pigeons throughout SF is nothing new, but there has been an especially high concentration of them at SF’s Powell Street BART station – the third busiest in the transit system with 33,273 commuters using the station on an average weekday – for years.
BART has taken steps to make the station a less attractive dwelling for pigeons, including using high-frequency and predatory bird sounds to annoy or scare the pigeons away. But it hasn’t been enough.
Two months ago, BART spent $25,000 to install fabric nets to block access to spots around the station, like rafters and overhangs, that pigeons have used for resting and nesting in the past. Still, there are other perches, like the signs showing commuters which exit is which, that can’t be covered up.
A pigeon rests on a sign directing commuters to one of the Powell Street BART station’s exits. The small white spots splattered on the sign are pigeon guano.
But despite BART’s attempts at pigeon abatement, signs of pigeons at the station are all over the place – their fights over food scraps, mating rituals and, yes, guano. Opinions of Bay Area commuters and residents on the pigeons vary, too.
“I absolutely hate pigeons. They’re a menace,” said Jesse Reyes, 27, of San Francisco. He’s a student at nearby Hack Reactor and he was walking through the Powell Street BART station from the Starbucks in Westfield Mall when he spoke to SFGATE. “It’s like we’re living in Hitchcock’s ‘The Birds’.”
Reyes, with an incredulous look on his face, said the pigeons act like they aren’t even scared of the masses of people bustling by them. That’s likely because, according to local pigeon and wildlife experts, they’ve become acclimated to urban environments over the decades.
Some commuters, like Jessica Guevarra, 18, of SF, have become as acclimated to the pigeons at the station as the pigeons have become to living there. “Honestly since I’ve lived here all my life it doesn’t bother me,” she said.
Alison Hermance, director of communications for wildlife rescue hospital WildCare in San Rafael, said the often-adaptable pigeons have figured out how to live among humans.
“They benefit from the easy access to food that humans provide, as well as many protected spots for nesting in our buildings and eaves and easy-to-access water sources like fountains and water features,” Hermance said.
The exact number of pigeons at the station is unknown to local pigeon and wildlife experts as well as BART and Muni representatives. “We’re busy with other things. We’re not doing too much birdwatching,” said Jim Allison, media relations manager for BART.
Jodie Foreman, the founder of a SF group that rescues string-foot pigeons (pigeons whose feet are injured after getting tangled in human hair and string), estimated that each city block has a flock and each flock could have several hundred birds.
“As with any wildlife population, the number of animals present is exactly the number that the environment can support,” Hermance said.
Foreman suggested other methods for curbing the pigeon population like feeding the pigeons contraceptive food, replacing their eggs with replicas and installing breeding boxes. Some of these methods have been tried in other major metropolitan areas where there are large pigeon populations.
Allison did not say that whether BART would try any of those methods, but he did point out a couple long term pigeon abatement efforts. He said part of the ceiling replacement project at Powell Street BART will involve the installation of metal screens to permanently cover up the pigeons’ hang outs. Installation of the screens will cost $240,000 and the project will be complete in the winter of 2017 or early 2018.
He acknowledged that the ceiling replacement project will not completely solve the problem of the pigeons entering the station. He said that BART is also working to cover the entrances of the BART stations with canopies to help deter pigeons from getting down to the station entrances and platforms. The latest that project will be completed, he said, is fall 2019.
Hallidae Plaza poses another challenge when it comes to limiting the pigeons’ access to the Powell Street station. The open space near the station entrance provides ample space for pigeons to perch or enter one of BART’s busiest stations.
Another way to limit the number of Powell station pigeons would be for BART and Muni passengers to obey rules prohibiting food in the stations and trains. There are several food vendors on Powell Street right outside of the entrances to the BART station and people feed birds at nearby Union Square.
“Certainly with the number of people in the area, there is also a lot of human food being consumed and dropped or improperly disposed of,” Hermance said. “Pigeons are flock birds, so they like to hang out together, and they’ll gravitate to a place with lots of easy-to-access food.”
Elizabeth Young, founder and executive director of the SF-based Palomacy Pigeon & Dove Adoptions, said although many commuters think of pigeons as a nuisance, they attract them by being sloppy with their food and drink.
“We drop things all over the place, lots of food and lots of crumbs, so there’s a lot of food for them,” she said. “So they live [where there’s food] and they reproduce and people don’t like that…[but] until we stop dropping food…you can’t blame the birds, it’s our fault.”
Allison recalled recently witnessing a litterbug in action at the station. “I was there yesterday and I saw a guy eating an energy bar,” he said. “I guess he didn’t like the taste of it and he just threw it right on the floor of the station. You know, all that does it attract vermin.
“If people could just be mindful of the fact that we’re surrounded by pigeons, by rats…they’ve thrived in our ecosystem and that just gives them encouragement to come into the BART station if they know they can find food there.”
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 | Aug 31, 2017 | Bird Deterrent Products
A Dirty Dancing theme night had to be scrapped – after customers claimed the event was invaded by pigeons.
Organisers of The Dirty Dancing Movie Experience, held at the Govan Shed in Glasgow, pulled the plug on an evening show after they were hit by a deluge of complaints over the afternoon session.
Customers said the sound quality was poor, prosecco was overpriced and warm and a cinema screening of the movie was hampered by pigeons inside the venue.
Fans of the 1988 movie, starring Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Gray, were promised the time of their lives and paid £15 a ticket to enjoy the big-screen show, cocktails, street food and live dancers. But last night the event’s Facebook page was inundated with unhappy customers looking for refunds.
One social media user, Yvonne Watson, said: “We were there today and it was the worst thing ever. Freezing cold warehouse, birds flying around your head and five portaloos.
“We left after half an hour. A disgrace.” Andrea Toner said that the show was nothing like the advertisements and added: “I’m disgusted and disappointed and feel I’ve been conned.”
Sarah Brady wrote: “Portable toilets and £26 for a bottle of Prosecco and you can’t even hear the film. The toilets blocked and do not flush, no water to wash your hands.”
Customers were told to contact Twinkle Cinemas for a refund but complained that their emails bounced back.
Casey Williams, from the company, said: “A licensing officer from Glasgow City
Council came out to the venue at our request this evening and was completely happy with everything.
“We don’t think we have sound problems and we have refunded everybody for the cancelled show.
“A small number of people had an issue and everyone else had a fantastic time.”
The event had its first show on Friday and is due to run shows today.
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 | Aug 30, 2017 | Pigeons in the News
New Delhi: Agrasen Ki Baoli, the famous monument located on Hailey Road near Connaught Place in New Delhi, is in need of restoration. The architectural building has turned into a residing place for bats and pigeons. One is only able to hear the gurgling sound of pigeons, and the squeaky chatter of bats echoing. Presently, Agrasen Ki Baoli has become a hub for couples who wish to spend some quality time together.
The Baoli used to have water earlier that has dried up in recent times. One can still see the bed of the reservoir that is filled with the feathers of birds and droppings. The silence deepens as one moves to the bottom of the stairs as the light of the day fades, making visitors feel as though they are in a place that is haunted.
Agrasen Ki Baoli is one of the popular tourist sites among the visitors in Delhi. The architectural building was originally built by Maharaja Agrasen, in the Mahabharat era, and later rebuilt by the Agrawal community in the 14th century, probably during the Tughlaq period.
The architectural monument is currently protected by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), and has a mammoth board indicating it’s national importance. The monument is divided into four levels with a flight of 108 steep steps leading down to the well. The steps are flanked by thick walls on both the sides with two series of arched niches at the first top and second levels.
The withering condition of the walls and the stinky water shed area calls for immediate restoration of the monument. The condition of the monument is getting worst with each passing day. However, this lofty monument that is considered haunted manages to attract tourists in the capital. The filthy black water is said to have an evil charm, has hypnotising people to their death by alluring them to jump in the reservoir.
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 | Aug 29, 2017 | Pigeon Patrol's Services
RATS scurrying around Church Green in Redditch town centre are proving to be an ongoing issue – and traders and shoppers are blaming locals feeding the pigeons for the problem, writes Ramla Soni.
Hazel Whiston of fast food stall Bob & Hazels in Market Square said: “The issue of rats is so frustrating as its people themselves who are causing this. If people didn’t come with huge bags of bread and seeds to feed the pigeons, rats would not come around this area for food.
“We have told them not to feed the pigeons but they keep on doing so. There is a small sign on the lamppost opposite us prohibiting the feeding of pigeons but no one can see that. Several should be placed around in places more visible to the public.”
Another market trader said: “It’s not a nice sight for people coming into town. You can see several running across the church pathway and on the grass where when it’s a nice day children play and have family picnics.
“People need to stop feeding the pigeons as when the birds don’t eat the food rats do.”
Shelly Wootton who works at Andrew Grant Sales and Lettings on Church Green East added: “Of course rats are going to be around in a natural environment just like foxes and other outdoor creatures, but I do see a lot of people feeding pigeons which needs to stop as it is attracting more rats day by day.”
County environmental health officer Toby Hardman-Dodd said action would be taken: “We will be putting some more ‘do not feed pigeons’ signs up around the affected area and also targeting rats by using pest treatment and placing bait boxes.”
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 | Aug 28, 2017 | Bird Deterrent Products
Extra help has been brought in to bolster Carlisle United’s defence – against troublesome mess-making birds.
While Keith Curle battles to bring in new faces for his match day squad, the club has swooped to get a new member of the backroom team – a hawk named Buzz.
The new addition has been brought in to solve a big problem the club has with menace birds causing mess at Brunton Park.
Seagulls, pigeons, sparrows and other feathered friends have been roosting in the stadium and leaving behind an unpleasant mess with grounds staff and cleaning contractors spending countless hours each week removing it.
In the search for a more permanent cost-effective solution Matt Bond, from Carlisle-based CITO Cleaning Ltd, who are the club’s cleaning contractors, put forward the idea after his bird-watcher son suggested it.
“Everybody in the city knows there’s a bird problem here,” he told the .
“At the football club it’s been there for about three seasons, especially in the first few months of the season. Birds nesting is a massive problem. This year there seems to be a lot more.”
With the plans approved by the club Gary Swainson, from the Cumberland Bird of Prey Centre, was brought on board and Buzz started circling the ground last week.
“It’s one of those jobs that can be very successful or the species targeted can be very resilient to it,” he said.
“It has to be an ongoing process. If you scare them once they will go away but they will come back again.
“We’ve been out at the ground most evenings for the last week. The idea is that pest species don’t get a regular time, they just know that the area is patrolled by a predator.
“They then know it becomes an unsafe place to be.
“The idea is that by flying the hawk they will go and roost somewhere else because they feel uncomfortable.”
Mr Swainson says that birds will naturally try and return to places where the conditions are good for roosting, as Brunton Park appears to be.
Mr Bond added: “It’s been very effective so far but it’s not a 100 per cent guarantee.”
While the problem is affecting all sides of the ground the problem is most apparent in the east and west stands.
The scheme at Brunton Park has sparked interest from other areas of the city where there have been high-profile bird problems.
“People have been saying to us why hasn’t this been done before,” Mr Bond added.
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)
