‘Co-ordinated and humane’ feral pigeon management program under way by City of Albany and stakeholders

The large flocks of feral pigeons roosting in the eaves of Albany’s main street buildings will be dealt with by “co-ordinated and humane” measures, according to the City of Albany.

The city issued the public notice on the pigeon problem on Monday via its Facebook page after increased calls for action from businesses, pest control operators and cleaning companies who deal with the ramifications of the bird populations.

The Advertiser also shed light on the rising issue last week, publishing a story in which several people in the community raised concerns.

“The City of Albany is working with key stakeholders on a co-ordinated and humane feral pigeon management program within the Albany CBD,” reads the notice.

“Through this approach, and assistance from the community, positive progress can be made towards reducing pigeon numbers and improving the amenity of the CBD.”

Populations of the feral bird have noticeably risen in the city over past years with the birds’ corrosive droppings proving problematic for the owners of the buildings on whose roofs and ledges they roost.

Albany High Pressure Cleaning Services director Mat Byatt said that recently, his team removed more than 2000 litres of pigeon poo from the roof of the Albany Justice Complex alone.

City of Albany chief executive Andrew Sharpe said actions already being undertaken by the city included sterilisation programs, trapping and habitat denial.

Alongside the update on management, the notice listed a number of ways the community could assist in tackling the problem.

These included managing waste and food scraps appropriately, not feeding pigeons and undertaking regular cleaning of areas affected by pigeon activity.

Business owners have been encouraged to maintain buildings so as to minimise nesting and roosting opportunities and install suitable bird deterrent measures where practical.