The increasing number of feral birds compromises dignity of local community and more importantly their health are threatened. It may also have an impact on the natural wildlife in Heybourne Park. (See pictures here: http://tinyurl.com/ch4znab)

Feral pigeons, crows pollute surroundings and damage our health

We petition Barnet Council – Environmental Department as matter of urgency to:
1.    Review and implement a program which will address the increasing population of feral birds in Heybourne Park
2.    Implement regular reviews to prevent unpleasant experiences in the park and residential surroundings

The Barnet Council's Housing Strategy 2010- 2025 in the three Strands Approach embodies a provision to Protect and Enhance the qualities that make Barnet attractive. The endemic problem caused by the feral pigeons, crows and seagulls in Heybourne Park as per the attached photographs is now a cause of serious threat to our health and is damaging the natural wildlife of the park.

Facts
Feral birds like pigeons, crows and seagulls pick up on food waste from the park or nearby streets. The congregation of feral birds lead to nuisance noise and create a mess. On street and park level, they could unpick rubbish from bins leaving bin bags strewn over neighbouring streets, and leave droppings on vehicles. On buildings, they leave droppings on balconies, walls, windows, and roofs. The bird droppings can also contaminate air ducts in buildings that can cause serious health issues.

A pigeon dispenses about 25 pounds of excrement a year. It contains acids that corrode paint, wood, steel and stone. Bird excrement is not just unsightly; it is also highly corrosive, and carries parasites and other sources of diseases (such as salmonella and psittacosis) that can be transferred to humans. Pests such as fleas, ticks and mites thrive in bird-infested areas.

As a result, the personal dignity and more importantly the health of local residents are threatened. Residents will be burdened with heavy expenses to maintain the conditions of their homes and health.

Besides bringing humans health hazards, these feral birds may also have an impact on the natural wildlife in Heybourne Park.  

It was reported in an article of Pigeon Control that Dr Tim Wreghitt of the Public Health Laboratory Service said that 60 per cent of pigeons are infected with disease. He also stated that inhaling dust from dried faeces can cause infection.

The current count of these feral birds are as follows:
•    Crows approx flock of 110 birds
•    Pigeons approx flock of 40 birds
•    Seagulls approx flock of 30 birds

Control
Barnet Council need to consider bird control methods. These include physical deterrents, visual deterrents, sonic devices, trained birds of prey (falconry), chemicals, contraceptives and active barriers.

Some of possible measures which could be adopted to address these feral birds are detailed below:

Pigeons
The only proven method of reducing pigeon flock size as part of an area-wide control system is to use a method pioneered by PiCAS International involving the use of artificial breeding facilities. This stand-alone method of control has been scientifically* proven to reduce pigeon flock size and is currently being employed throughout mainland Europe by councils and commercial organisations alike. The principle of a scheme using artificial breeding facilities is to provide a pigeon loft or dovecote in which feral pigeons can be encouraged to roost and breed and from which their eggs can be removed as laid and replaced with dummy eggs. This method of breeding control has been found to be extremely effective in reducing flock size.

Crows and seagulls
It is possible to drive away large flocks of crows and other feral birds with audio/visual scare devices such as the Bird-Gard unit combined with visual scare devices like Scare Eye Balloons, Octopus and Flash Tape. To maximize effectiveness, hang visual products in trees before commencing noise campaign

Falconry is a natural, humane and environmentally friendly solution to pest bird problems. A bird of prey is an effective scarer of birds including Seagulls and Pigeons. It creates panic and confusion and so encourage birds to migrate elsewhere.

The above methods are often used in combination with other treatments including digital distress signal calls.

Educational Signs
Visitors of Heybourne Park need to learn that excessive and inappropriate feeding can harm the ecosystem and the wildlife at the park.

We the residents from around Heybourne Park (Grahame Park) appreciate outdoor spaces and would wish for this regenerated green space to be a success - to have the potential to benefit the local community from a social, health and well-being stand point.
Here are some pictures to share:
http://tinyurl.com/ch4znab

We urge Barnet Council to take swift action on this matter.