I have often thought about this question and because it seems that a disproportionate amount of people living in the UK HATE pigeons compared to the rest of the world. Saying this though, I do realize that there are PLENTY of people in the general population of North America and other places of the world who do not like pigeons either. It just seems that the hatred for pigeons in the UK is deeply rooted and goes from the bottom, right up to the top political officials.

I hope that some of our members from the UK can shed some light, history or explanation as to why pigeons seem to be so maligned over there.

Interesting question Brad. I hadn't actually realised this was the case compared to the rest of the world. How did you reach this conclusion? Are there official sources which state this fact? I'd be interested to read them.

If this is the case, I really have no idea other than to speculate that it is due to lack of education and the growing disrespect shown by some people to most living organisms. As you know there are also a lot of UK residents that genuinely do have a love of pigeons and it is those people that I choose to associate with. I try do do my bit to hopefully educate people by openly showing my love for pigeons and the reasons why. Most probably think I'm crazy but I take great satisfaction in being 'different'.

I don't think the UK is much different than anywhere else. Pigeons seem to get a bad rap in and around New York. I am often questioned as to why I'd want to keep pigeons.
Hugh

For what it's worth, I was kind of a neutral towards pigeons. It was actually Lindi who made me look at them more closely, and it was her infectious enthusiasm, and the fun stories she tells about her birds that made me look at them very differently.

I never bought into the whole "flying rat" thing that people often bandy about. I always thought that was a stupid moniker. Besides, there's nothing wrong with rats either.

Thanks Lindi, Hugh and Capthunter for your comments about this...great thoughts! I really can't give sources to why I get the impression that many Uk-ers are anti-pigeon, it's more of a sense I get from my years browsing the internet. I'm a huge internet junkie and I'm always online finding/reading all sorts of things. There have been so many times I'm on Youtube, or a blog or other forums where I've read such negative and hostile comments from people in the UK about pigeons. I also find that there are a lot of hunters in the UK, many of which their sport of choice is pigeons, crows and doves. Then there is the whole Ken Livingstone thing with the Trafalgar Square pigeons that has been a contentious subject for years. I suppose maybe the people in the UK are just more vocal about pigeons than others around the world are and it's distorted my perception of how the majority feel about them. I do also know that there are a lot of pro pigeon people in the UK as well, many animal lovers there. It has just seemed that over the years and from what I've kept in my mind's eye, it's been overwhelmingly negative commentary and a total disrespect for pigeons.

I have nothing to back up my opinion, but it seems that when pigeons gather in large numbers, that's when it seems that a negative opinion develops. I think that that b/c there seems to be such a large, noticeable population of pigeons in Trafalgar Square, that is probably the reason there is negative opinion there. When there are pigeons in large numbers, they are catch everyone's attention and then, of course, their activities and the poop they produce also catch everyone's attention. As much as I love them, large numbers of them can make quite a mess.

I don't think it's just the UK. I think any major city that has large flocks of pigeons that are noticeable and produce messes are not that keen on having them around.

Linda

But that's the ying and yang of it all isn't it. Think of Trafalgar Square and the very first image you have is all of those pigeons. It's what makes it so famous. Without them, all that remains is a rather bleak cityscape with a tall column and traffic.

The English are often called a nation of pet lovers and I have never had the impression that they disliked pigeons. Although I am an Englishman who left at a young age I do have many vivid memories of the place. One of them is the numbers of neighbors with pigeon lofts, it seemed like every 4th or 5th house on my street had one.

In another place, I read and saw a video (I'm sure Brad will remember) about the city of Basil in Switzerland who reduced their pigeon population by 50% over 4 years....how? food control!

I know that the Trafalgar Square bruhaha got a LOT of publicity due to HOW the officials wanted to reduce or eliminate the pigeon problem. Killing certainly isn't the answer!

Didn't England give out the Dickens Medal (pigeon equivalent of the Victoria Cross) to the heroic pigeons in WWI and WWII??

Perhaps it's not so much that the pigeons are more hated, but that negative publicity in certain instances (Tralfalgar Square) is more widespread?

Love and Hugs

Shi

Linda, you might be on to something there. I remember an acquaintance of mine, who recently commented on the "flying rats" in Traflagar Square. When I made countered it, he said that he wasn't really bothered by pigeons until he moved to London and saw them en masse.

I am from the UK and its amazing how so many people disrespect pigeons compared to other birds, I love going to see the pigeons in London and since the got rid of them in Trafalgar square I visit london less often

HI, GECKODELTA... TO THE SITE!!

I haven't heard anything recently! Are ALL the Trafalgar Square pigeons gone?? If so, what a shame!

On the other hand, IF there are still some pijies around...all I can say is "they will be baaaaack!"

Do you have pigeons or other pets? Do tell us about yourself! We enjoy hearing about life in other parts of the world!

Shi and her pijies: Mr. Squeaks/Dom/Gimie/WoeBeGone

I know alot of people dont understand my love for pigeons. I love letting them out and watching them fly. I also spend many hours in the loft just watching and observing them. They are a form of very peaceful meditation for me that money cant buy. I go into my own little world just being with them. To most people that sounds silly but I know people here understand.Squirrels are another one. Many people find them a nuisance and dont like them. I find them awesome and magnificent little creatures.

I guess it's common for people to label things others love as silly. If they can't see the value in something, it's automatically stupid. I've encountered that attitude from many people over the years due to my own interests. Personally, I don't see how it's silly to find joy in something as 'simple' as a living creature. Especially one that some people would label as a pest.

But maybe I'm just weird.

Well, Capthunter, as you know there are MANY MANY MORE "weirds" in the world!!

We are always willing to welcome more weirds!

Or, to put it another way, we are unique! And, lord knows, the world sure needs more 'niques!

Love and Hugs
Shi

My animals are my serenity (even Ollie when she's cranky). I understand and respect their motivation better than those of some people. And I really don't understand anyone who "hates" animals.

Some people - I kinda wanna smack in the back of the head.

beatlemike wrote:I know alot of people dont understand my love for pigeons. I love letting them out and watching them fly. I also spend many hours in the loft just watching and observing them. They are a form of very peaceful meditation for me that money cant buy. I go into my own little world just being with them. To most people that sounds silly but I know people here understand.Squirrels are another one. Many people find them a nuisance and dont like them. I find them awesome and magnificent little creatures.

Couldn't agree with your more, Mike! I love just sitting with and watching my pigeons too and I know many of us feel the very same way as you do. I also like squirrels, they are incredibly smart, interesting and comical to watch.

And yes Capthunter, we are all a little weird here, but weird is good and I think you fit in wonderfully with our weird little group.

Hi desert fire, well there are a couple of pigeons left but the government introduced peregrine falcons into the area which scared the majority away they also banned feeding them within the square. and yes I do keep pigeons I currently own 2 giant runts and a few racers I also keep lots of reptiles and a few mammals like cats etc
Thanks for your welcome and reply

Geckodelta and thanks for the info on what is going on in Trafalgar Square. I lived in England some 10 years arriving just after the war, at that time people had not yet forgotten the important part played by pigeons during the war..............nobody spoke ill of pigeons then.
By the way do tell us a little more about yourself and your pets with pics if possible. Very much looking forward to your postings.
Gladys

Hi and thanks again for the reply I will work on taking some pics tomorrow and will post them asap Im 14 and have had pets all of my life I know I seem young but I assure you I am quite mature I first acquired valiant (my first pigeon) when I was 12 and have loved them since my first exotic pet was a giant red clawed scorpion , my first mammal and in fact my first pet was pollie a cat who sadly passed away a few years ago my current pet count is something like 40
Callum

geckodelta wrote:Hi and thanks again for the reply I will work on taking some pics tomorrow and will post them asap Im 14 and have had pets all of my life I know I seem young but I assure you I am quite mature I first acquired valiant (my first pigeon) when I was 12 and have loved them since my first exotic pet was a giant red clawed scorpion , my first mammal and in fact my first pet was pollie a cat who sadly passed away a few years ago my current pet count is something like 40
Callum

WOW, Callum! Now that IS an exotic pet! Uh, how did you keep him/her from using that stinger? Since I'm a SCORPIO, I'm - uh - kinda "related," ya might say!

I've had cats all my life...still have 'em. Mr. Squeaks, my handicapped (only has a wing and a half) racing homing pij (retired), rules us ALL with an iron beak! I am currently "fostering" a Siamese cat that I recently rescued and Mr. Squeaks soon told him who is BOSS! My Squeaks has ATTITUDE! He also considers me his mate and is quite protective!

Sure will look forward to your pictures and hearing about your adventures! Sounds like you will have a wonderful life ahead of you and will be a TERRIFIC CREDIT to society! The world needs more like you!!

Love and Hugs
Shi