Pigeons are a common sight in gardens across the UK, but there are ways to deter them without harming them
Pigeons, often called rock doves, are adaptable birds that flourish in a wide range of environments.
They demonstrate instinctive behaviours including gathering in large flocks and showing a preference for breeding throughout the year, often selecting cliff-like locations for nesting.
These feathered residents mainly feast on seeds, grains and vegetation, though they’re quite happy to tuck into food scraps left behind in city gardens.
Whilst pigeons can prove troublesome, there are methods to discourage them without sacrificing the opportunity to appreciate their presence and birdsong.
An innovative approach involves growing a particular flower colour that “signal danger” to these garden guests, reports the Express.
Gardening specialists at Sefton Meadows Garden Centre explained: “White is a ‘danger’ colour to birds, much in the same way that red is a warning colour to humans.”
The professionals went on to clarify that numerous birds use the pale markings on their plumage to alert one another when danger lies ahead.
Growing an assortment of pale blooms around zones you wish to keep secure can prove “enough to stop pigeons from landing”.
For those eager to protect particular sections of their outdoor space whilst preserving its attractiveness, there’s a wonderful selection of gorgeous white blossoms available.
Garden lovers wanting a more colourful botanical showcase might choose to save their bright plantings for locations that don’t need pigeon deterrents. If you’re plagued by pesky pigeons in your garden, consider planting white flowers and setting up fake predators to give the birds a fright.
Pigeons, like many animals, are naturally wary of their natural enemies and have a strong instinct to “stay well away” from them.
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Just the sight of potential threats, such as predatory bird species, in a garden is enough to put off pigeons from hanging around as they “will fly away promptly” at the first sign of danger.
You can easily find statues that look like hawks, eagles, owls, or cats at most garden centres. A couple of these strategically placed could work wonders as an effective deterrent.