The Swan Upping has been cancelled in 2012 because the River Thames is flowing too fast for the swan uppers to row against.
Instead, and this may not please everybody, I have pictures and a video of pigeons up on the County Hall Roof …
The pigeon is probably the bird I see most in Abingdon. Up on high precipices or flying round above us all, pigeons thrive where we thrive. They are always up there watching for an opportunity to feed wherever and whenever we drop food.
But there is more to pigeons than food. They are intelligent, sociable animals, and they leave a lot of droppings. I have a short video of Two Pigeons Up on the County Hall Roof showing off.
They may be intelligent and sociable but they are also flying rats and should be shot on sight
nonsense. if they are pests in any way it’s only because we cause them to be by our behaviour.
Apparently there is some sort of mesh that can be put on balustrades etc to deter pigeons – anyone know why this wasn’t done here?
There is no point in shooting feral (town) pigeons. Their population is self regulating, and they will soon be replaced by more pigeons. The only way to reduce their numbers is to reduce the food supply. So don’t feed them!!
Wood pigeons are the problem in North Abingdon. A pest for farmers and gardeners!
How sad that Swan Upping has had to be cancelled. As a newcomer, I was really looking forward to seeing this fine, old tradition!! This summer really has been a ‘washout’!!
There is no distinction between the names pigeon and dove, just how you see them. Perhaps if you see the pigeons as doves they may not be a problem. Most ferral pigeons have the wild Rock Dove in them somewhere, hence the attraction to buildings. The plentiful food supply helps too, so don’t drop food in the street. Pigeons are a favourite food of peregrins and sparrowhawks so get the town council to get a pair-everyone likes falcons.