Need to understand the motivations to counter persistent pigeon feeders: NParks

SINGAPORE: For at least a year, residents living along Lorong 4 Toa Payoh have had to deal with some unwanted visitors: pigeons.

“They’re everywhere,” said Simon Lam, describing “nightmare” scenes of pigeons perched on the edge of his 17th-floor house, finding bird feathers on his floor and pigeon droppings all over his edge and air conditioning. Unit.

Mr. Lam has lived on the farm for over 20 years, but only started noticing a problem with the pigeons last year.

“We can’t leave our clothes outside, because pigeons will leave droppings everywhere. (The cleaners) come and clean frequently, but it gets dirty again in a few days,” said another resident, who just wanted to be known as Ling.

All of this, residents say, is due to the presence of persistent pigeon feeders on their farm.

“It is clearly due to food, because you can see (a large group) of birds in one area,” said Mr. Lam.

“I always see leftovers of bread or rice on the grass, but I’m not sure if they throw it out the window or if they go down and feed the pigeons,” said Stella Ang, who also lives on the farm.

The well-known gray and green pigeons, or rock pigeons, are an invasive species in Singapore, the National Parks Board (NParks) told CNA.

“Their droppings litter the environment, are not hygienic and cause discomfort like dirt on clothes. Leftover food from pigeon feeding can attract other pests, such as rats, that carry disease and pose a public health risk, “NParks Director How Choon Beng said.

While NParks said it identifies critical feeding points to carry out engagement, enforcement and oversight, and works with other relevant agencies, including the Office of Municipal Services and City Hall, in comments, residents said such efforts they have been largely ineffective in deterring persistent feeders.

Mr. Lam told CNA that he had filed multiple complaints with the National Environment Agency (NEA). Although the agency said it was taking action and would issue a warning letter to the feeder, “we saw no improvement,” he said.

Authorities have also placed cameras and signs around the estate to remind residents not to feed the pigeons, Ang said, adding that the pigeon problem had been present for the past five years since he moved.

“The problem is less when there is a camera, but once the camera leaves, the problem returns,” he said.

“For cases of persistent feeding, these efforts aim to understand the motivation behind the persistent feeding behavior and find alternative ways to counter their motivations,” How said.

“This could come in the form of alternative activities like community gardening.”

In response to further inquiries about measures taken when engagement with persistent feeders fails, Mr. How said deterring feeding requires a “combination of methods.”

In addition to vigilance, engagement, working with other relevant agencies, and law enforcement, NParks also conducts public education and outreach with posters, bases, videos, and table stickers.

“Through our commitment (with persistent feeders) thus far, we discovered that some feeders can be persuaded to reduce feeding. We are working with others to understand their motivations to plan our overall approach and collaborate with other agencies to support this long-term change, ”said How.

In addition, the Office of Municipal Services (MSO) announced during the address of the Supply Committee of the Ministry of National Development that it would launch a program of High-altitude Garbage and pigeon feeding throughout the country.

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Previously, the MSO conducted a 2018 pilot in the Yio Chu Kang division, noting that there was a “significant reduction” in the volume of comments on pigeon feeding issues.

Currently, the national program is in various stages of implementation, “depending on the scale of severity” of problems at different locations.

“With the High Rise Trash and Pigeon Feeding program, over time, residents can expect greater awareness among neighbors, which would provide additional deterrence to high-altitude litter and pigeon feeding on the neighbor, and more effective investigation and resolution of cases to reduce crime.

“At the same time, the public can help mitigate pigeon population growth and flock problems by not feeding the birds and keeping the environment clean,” said MSO.

However, for residents like Mr. Lam, who continue to live with the pigeon problem, there is little else they feel they can do.

Although you have installed a plastic net to prevent the pigeons from perching on the ledge, make sure the windows are closed and that food and water are placed away from the windows, the pigeons are still a nuisance.

“I think I’m giving up already,” Mr. Lam told CNA, shaking his head regretfully.