Pidgeon deterent...

[Pumper]

...But still encourage the liitle birds.
We have a bird table in our garden, and, after several years we have managed to build up a nice little community of birds. Blackbirds (nesting), robin, sparrows (nesting), bluetits etc.
But, the damned pidgeons have found it now and plague us. They hoover all the food up that we put out, and they make such a horrendous mess.
Anyone know how we can get rid of those horrible things and leave the littluns in peace?

Edit to remove typos :(

[Pumper]

[Carol]

No.  I have the same, but they are easily spooked so if I see them I wave my hands and they are off for a few minutes before they return.  Same with flocks of Jackdaws and rooks, they are in there as well, but the next time I look they are gone and the little birds are picking up whats left.  I have no answer to the problem iwth Wood Pigeons.

:'(

[Old bird]

Hi Pumper

Why don't you rig your bird feeder with something like a squirrel putter-offer (can't think of the name!) with the outside large enough for the smaller birds and possibly the blackbirds but too small for the pigeons to get in?

I am no expert here but I would imagine that that may be possible?  Otherwise what about a water pistol!  One of those modern ones that really squirt water at speed.  I am sure that then they would pretty soon get the message!

Old Bird
;D

[tim]

Do they not go for the grassier (cheaper) seeds? So limit those?

[Pumper]

I did try putting a couple of small sticks up the sides to restrict the size of bird which could fit into the house part, but I saw several of the smaller ones flying up to it, then turning away again. I thought at the time I'd rather put up with those pests than lose the lot.

Thing is, during the day they aren't such a pain coz they're already full of my bird grub. It's either very early - dawn chorus time - or later in the evening when they arrive.

Thanks Old Bird, I think I'm going to have to have a few very early mornings armed with one of those pump action water pistols :P

[Pumper]

Do they not go for the grassier (cheaper) seeds? So limit those?

We get our seeds from a nearby pet shop and they are very high quality (reflected in the price!). No wheats, maze, corns or grass.

But that does give me a bit of an idea. Put loads of the seriously cheapo stuff outside the garden so the pests stop there and don't come into the garden  :D

Edited to sort the fingers problems out  :(

[tim]

Good thinking!!

And see RECIPES??

[Pumper]

...
And see RECIPES??

Oh yes, very much so. Veggy I ain't  ;D

[RSJK]

  A SHOT GUN

[tim]

Or a modest Air Rifle!

They don't mess around, do they?