The Great London Pigeon Census: More Beaks Than You Can Shake a Scone At
Ah, the pigeons of London. Those cooing, pooping, bread-crumb bandits that are as much a part of the city's fabric as red phone boxes and questionable weather. But have you ever stopped to wonder, just how many of these feathered fiends are there?
Feathery Facts and Pigeon Paranoia
Let's be honest, counting pigeons is a tricky business. They're not exactly the type to sit still for a headcount. Imagine trying to herd those flappy fellas into an orderly queue – pure chaos! So, instead of relying on an avian abacus, we have to rely on estimates.
Here's the Fowl Play: A Pigeon Population Explosion?
Some reckon there's a staggering three million pigeons in London. That's practically one for every three Londoner! If you do the beak-matics, that means there's more pigeons than there are dogs. Imagine a world where every time you went for a walk, you were dodging a pigeon instead of a poodle. Sounds like a scene from a Hitchcock movie!
But is this just a flock of rumours?
Well, there was a pigeon census back in 2011, and that landed at a more conservative estimate of around 850,000. Still a respectable number, but not quite the avian apocalypse some might fear.
The Pigeon Problem: Friends or Feathered Foes?
Truth is, pigeons are a bit of a mixed beak. They can be a nuisance, sure, but they're also part of the city's character. Besides, who else is going to clean up those rogue french fries that inevitably end up on the pavement? (Although, maybe they shouldn't be eating them in the first place...)
How To Deal With Our Feathered Friends (or Foes)
So, what can you do about the pigeons? Here are a few tips:
How to Resist Those Pleading Eyes:
As tempting as it is to be Mary Poppins and toss them a crust, feeding pigeons actually encourages them to stay and, well, multiply.
How to Pigeon-Proof Your Balcony:
If the pigeons are making a roost of your balcony, try some deterrents like shiny pinwheels or even (believe it or not) fake owls!
How to Make Peace with the Pigeons:
Look, they're not going anywhere. Instead of getting ruffled, maybe just embrace the pigeon-y charm of London. Who knows, you might even find them strangely endearing... eventually.
FAQ: Your Pigeon Perplexities Solved
How to tell the difference between a feral pigeon and a wood pigeon?
Feral pigeons are the city slickers, while wood pigeons prefer the peace and quiet of parks.How fast can a pigeon fly? Up to 45 miles per hour! So much for the stereotype of them being slowpokes.
How long do pigeons live? In the wild, around 5 years. But they can live up to 15 years in captivity (although, why would you want to keep a pigeon in captivity?)
How do pigeons navigate? They use a combination of magnetoreception (like a tiny internal compass) and landmarks to find their way around.
How to avoid getting pooped on by a pigeon? This one's a tough one. Maybe wear a hat? Carry an umbrella? Just accept it as a rite of passage for any true Londoner.