Pigeons become pests when they reach untenable numbers, especially in built up environments. However they have lived alongside us for centuries and have played an important role in food supply. In addition they have been developed for sport and specialists appreciate breeding exotic varieties. You do not have to invest in them to enjoy them. Viewed in small numbers they can be perceived as fun and entertaining additions to our towns and cities. Fun comes in small measures and we are happy to acknowledge that pigeons in small numbers can be fun too.
• Pigeons on parade
• What came first? The pigeon or the egg?
• The Fastest and the Featheriest
• Bizarre pigeon news
A variety of structures and their history is well documented in Pigeon Towers:
The Rise and Fall of a 17th-Century Status Symbol
See http://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/dovecotes
We’ve also seen several dove cotes of our own as we’ve travelled round the UK and the interweb and will add to our gallery from time to time.
People love pigeons. They are intelligent birds with remarkable navigation skills which has led to their development in the sport and hobby of racing and homing. This is a talent that has not always been used as you would expect however.
Pigeons are a common a regular problem. The print and digital journalist media are quick to highlight stories that often consider animal welfare but also issues of health, safety and public safety. The following help to illustrate the many ways pigeons can be a problem and cause conflict for one reason or another.
Bath’s Pigeon Man is fined by court but vows “I am going to carry on feeding the pigeons”
23rd Jan 2017 The Bath Chronicle, UK