Pigeon epidemic in Austin? how did this happen? (living in, homeless)

[OneJackson]

Originally Posted by G Grasshopper

Redtailed Hawks do take pigeons, but the real specialists are falcons, especially peregines. As a city sensitive to environmental issues, Austin might be a great place to start a Peregrine Falcon project. Pigeons are doing great because they thrive on our trash and are not picky with their habitat needs, just like crows and grackles.

I would like to see the Peregines introduced to this city. the pigeon population is getting out of hand, seeriously.

[OneJackson]

Originally Posted by TexasHorseLady

Peregrine Falcons were released in Austin quite some time ago (I don't remember when exactly, but it had to be in the neighborhood of at least 20 years). Used to see them all the time along Mopac North, as a result.

OH YEAH, I thought those were Vultures though. I see a LOT of those. for good reason. ,they do a good job of clean up.

[OneJackson]

Originally Posted by passionatearts

I can't believe you guys are freaking out over pigeons when everyone knows that the real problem in Austin is the grackle population. Take a look at this video. It looks like something out of the movie, "The Birds":


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kyHssCxPjHE

I hate the grackles too.

[OneJackson]

Originally Posted by ROY DUBOSE

too many pigeons can be expected now that it's unlawful to discharge a shotgun in the city limits

what about a pellet gun? me and my friends helped lower the squirrel popluation by 2% when I was a kid...lol....could help against the pigeons

[OneJackson]

Originally Posted by TexasHorseLady

Yep, turtle doves (we have them out here along with other doves) is an entirely different critter than a pigeon.

turtle dove or pigeon, it's still a flying rat. and the downtown buildings have been re-painted poo poo green & white thanks to those creatures.

LOVE LIVE THE RED TAIL HAWKS AND PEREGINES!!!

[OneJackson]

Originally Posted by LolaIsMyPuppy

so back to these grackles...they seem much more abundant than pigeons..very hitchcock, i agree...

I've seen people on 6th street after dusk, walking the stretch, hitting wood blocks against the trees and waving flashlights to scare the birds out. Has anyone else seen this, and is there a method to this madness? It doesn't seem very effective. Are these people paid city employees or volunteers or just crazy?

Bats vs. Grackles - who would win?

LOL...Grackles lose. I hate those birds

[Filmmaker_49]

The best way to deal with grackles is poisoned bread crumbs. Just take some bread and dip it in rat poison and make sure the chunk is big enough so the wind won't blow it away.

[CptnRn]

Originally Posted by Filmmaker_49

The best way to deal with grackles is poisoned bread crumbs. Just take some bread and dip it in rat poison and make sure the chunk is big enough so the wind won't blow it away.

You are going to need about two million bread crumbs, per episode.

[jobert]

I remember a few years back when all those pidgeons ( I think ) dropped dead on Congress, and everyone freaked out. They called it the "big bird scare", then some guy dressed up as Big Bird and made a short film about it before the cops chased him off. Was this all in my imagination, or does anyone else remember that?

Oh, and Merry Christmas.

[CptnRn]

Originally Posted by jobert

I remember a few years back when all those pidgeons ( I think ) dropped dead on Congress, and everyone freaked out. They called it the "big bird scare", then some guy dressed up as Big Bird and made a short film about it before the cops chased him off. Was this all in my imagination, or does anyone else remember that?

Oh, and Merry Christmas.

It must have been something you were smoking!

No, sorry. Even though I don't remember it, I did a google search for it and there was a problem and concern in Dec. 2006 - Jan. 2007.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C3b6LHer-Ic

Do pigs have wings, maybe it was an early form of Swine Flue (S-wing flue).