RACING PIGEONS – IMPACT OF RAPTOR PREDATION

6. REVIEW OF DETERRENTS
6.1 INTRODUCTION
A review was conducted of avian deterrent/protection techniques with respect to the
issue of alleviating attacks by raptors on racing pigeons. The review consists of two
parts: (i) an investigation of deterrent/protection techniques that have been used by
SHU members, and (ii) an evaluation of avian deterrents used in other circumstances
and settings, including game bird release pens, for their suitability for protecting
racing pigeons from raptor predation. The ‘success’ of a deterrent can be measured at
two levels – complete or partial. The latter is a reduction in the numbers of the pest
species or in the extent of damage caused (in the case of racing pigeons a reduction in
attacks and kills). Although complete success is the ideal outcome, most deterrents
are usually deployed to reduce rather than completely prevent pest activity.
The aim of the review was to identify techniques which appeared most worthy of
further detailed investigation both for protecting pigeons at the loft (loft-based
deterrents) and during training/races (pigeon-based deterrents). The two potentially
most effective pigeon-based deterrents identified (wing transfers and sequins) were
investigated in controlled, replicated field trials as part of this overall study (Section
7). Recommendation of specific loft-based deterrents considered worthy of further
investigation for future field trials (outwith this study) are presented. In addition to
the review of deterrent/protection techniques, guidelines for the deployment of loftbased
systems to maximise their potential effectiveness are discussed.
6.2 DETERRENTS USED BY SCOTTISH HOMING UNION
During 1996/97 the SHU conducted a survey of its members to gather information on
the nature and extent of attacks by birds of prey on racing pigeons in Scotland (SHU
1998). The number of lofts returning questionnaires was 1,937 (∼47% of lofts in
Scotland), of which 1,752 reported problems with birds of prey (mainly peregrines
and sparrowhawks). Out of these 1,752 lofts, 366 (20.9%) had tested one or more
avian deterrents, either available on the commercial market or self-designed. The
deterrents used fell into two distinct categories: (i) loft-based, and (ii) pigeon-based.
Loft-based deterrents are located on, or near the loft, and are aimed at deterring
attacks, principally by sparrowhawks, in the immediate vicinity of the loft. Deterrents
included: balloons, whistles, eyes painted on structures (e.g. loft roof, house walls),
replica and cut-out owls, Hawk Eyes, scarecrows, targets, mirrors and decoy geese.
Pigeon-based deterrents are fixed directly onto the pigeons and attempt to discourage
attacks, principally by peregrines, during exercise, training flights and races;
deterrents used included wing transfers, sequins and Bali-bells. Overall, the survey
indicated that no deterrent was considered to be effective in a consistent and sustained
manner (SHU 1998). Thirty-nine of the 366 lofts (10.7%), however, did report that
some techniques deterred attacks in the short-term; although attacks resumed when
the “surprise” effect of the novel stimulus wore off.
In May 2001, SHU circulated a follow-up questionnaire to the 366 lofts which had
tested deterrents, requesting more detailed information on techniques used and
perceptions of their effectiveness. A total of 89 (24.3%) questionnaire returns were
received; 86 (23.5%) of which provided information on deterrent use.
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