Wildlife in the garden - at any time of year

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Dai88D

Western Thunderer
sjp23480 said:
Interested in any advice on pigeon deterrence.

I like birds, regular visitors to my garden include robin, various t*ts (blue, great and long tailed), wren, chaffinch, nuthatch, wood pigeon, woodpeckers (spotted and green) and this morning a whole squadron of starlings picking grubs out of the lawn.

But my neighbour feeds the feral pigeons and they have taken to roosting under my solar panels causing untold damage.

The quote to get netting installed was eye watering, working at height and all that, so trying to figure out how to scare them off.

I have tried ultrasonic noise, predator calls (all from YouTube), and have got a long handled, multicoloured feather duster wedged out of the dormer window which was doing the trick (don't ask). But its effectiveness is rapidly waning unless I wave it about every half an hour or so.

Short of getting a proper bird scarer - which would upset the whole neighbourhood - I am wondering what else I can do.

Grateful for any suggestions.

Thanks
Steve
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you can buy lengths of ‘bottlebrush’ stuff which is put in gutters to stop leaves from fouling them. This can be stuffed under the panel. I’ve seen it being used, and it seemed to work. The alternatives from the professionals are ridiculously expensive for what they are.
 
sjp23480

sjp23480

Western Thunderer
Dai88D said:
you can buy lengths of ‘bottlebrush’ stuff which is put in gutters to stop leaves from fouling them. This can be stuffed under the panel. I’ve seen it being used, and it seemed to work. The alternatives from the professionals are ridiculously expensive for what they are.
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I was looking at that stuff - the problem is installation - our roof is very high and I don't fancy doing it, but maybe a roofer will be a reasonable option. Thanks for all the replies.
 
RonnieS

RonnieS

Western Thunderer
Al Tait said:
We get a Sparrow Hawk in the garden quite often, along with Pheasants, Partridges, Buzzards and all manor of smaller birds. You always know when the Sparrow Hawk is about as all the other birds disappear, we've had Pigeon's splat themselves on the patio doors with a loud thud in the rush to escape!
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How can I get a sparrow hawk? (Plague of white doves)
 
RonnieS

RonnieS

Western Thunderer
Jon Nazareth said:
Or maybe even a plastic eagle owl strategically placed?
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My neighbour tried that . The doves cuddle up to it. I tried old cds (Doves hate reflections says google). I think doves are related to budgies! Windmills are not a deterrent. (Doves hate vinegar says google) our pests have not read that.
Drenching with a hose.....great fun soon back for more. I read all the reviews on Amazon for deterrents............seems no solution!
 
simond

simond

Western Thunderer
A trip to any marina will show a vast range of ineffective bird scarers, including large plastic owls, and whirligig things, and boats covered in seagull…
 
Max M

Max M

Western Thunderer
RonnieS said:
My neighbour tried that . The doves cuddle up to it. I tried old cds (Doves hate reflections says google). I think doves are related to budgies! Windmills are not a deterrent. (Doves hate vinegar says google) our pests have not read that.
Drenching with a hose.....great fun soon back for more. I read all the reviews on Amazon for deterrents............seems no solution!
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A repeating Nerf gun....probably won't stop then but at least you will get some fun shooting at them?

The only way IMO would be to ensure there isn't any food or other reason for them to be there.
 
RonnieS

RonnieS

Western Thunderer
Max M said:
The only way IMO would be to ensure there isn't any food or other reason for them to be there.
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They are looking for a home. They are bred for weddings and no one is responsible for what happens to them after release. I feel sorry for them but the poo stench from a near neighbours house with 30 on his roof was incredible and of course a health hazard.
 
simond

simond

Western Thunderer
I’m surprised that’s not under some kind of control. Let’s hope white rats don’t become the next ”must have”…
 
Max M

Max M

Western Thunderer
RonnieS said:
They are looking for a home. They are bred for weddings and no one is responsible for what happens to them after release. I feel sorry for them but the poo stench from a near neighbours house with 30 on his roof was incredible and of course a health hazard.
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Have you considered taking up falconry?
 
RonnieS

RonnieS

Western Thunderer
Max M said:
Have you considered taking up falconry?
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I must be turning into a Pigeon flying round in circles. (earlier post)

Al Tait said:
We get a Sparrow Hawk in the garden quite often, along with Pheasants, Partridges, Buzzards and all manor of smaller birds. You always know when the Sparrow Hawk is about as all the other birds disappear, we've had Pigeon's splat themselves on the patio doors with a loud thud in the rush to escape!
Click to expand...
How can I get a sparrow hawk? (Plague of white doves)
 
Max M

Max M

Western Thunderer
I haven't noticed any decline and even had some visitors to our insect hotel.

Not sure why but a big Bumble was heard investigating the water trap from our gutters...it was probably a silly B...
 
D

Dai88D

Western Thunderer
We commonly get Chiffchaffs, sometimes Willow Warblers, but this week we had a first: Garden Warbler. Chuffed.
 
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