A scene from Hitchcock’s ‘The Birds’ or The Mechanic’s Institute in Harden?

A problem that has plagued Harden for decades in the past, has once again reared its ugly head. Swarms of pigeons have once again been camping out on rooftops around town in large groups, mainly spotted on Neill Street on top of the Carrington Hotel and Mechanic’s Institute.

Last year, The Times re- ported on dead pigeons being spotted on the ground around town, with many suspecting they had been baited and poisoned, while other pigeons were found down in backyards and on the Hard Rock Gym roof, just to name a few locations.

But how can the problem be addressed? Last year on March 22nd, Hill- tops Council acknowledged the problem, but admitted poisoning wasn’t the answer.
“Council has been notified of a large amount of dead pigeons around the Harden business district,” Hilltops Council stated.
“The alleged poisoning of the pigeons has been referred to the RSPCA for investigation.
“If you see any dead pigeons on or around your property, please dispose of them as soon as possible in a safe and hygienic manner.

“For example, wear gloves and wrap the dead birds securely in a plastic bag or several layers or newspaper before placing in your household waste bin. Wash your hands thoroughly afterwards.

“Please also be extra vigilant to ensure your pets do not eat any dead birds. “The RSPCA can be con- tacted about the alleged poisoning of pigeons or any other animal cruelty matter on 1300 278 3589.”

But the pigeons have re- turned to town in numbers due to the good seasons and many locals in town aren’t happy about it.

 

On a recent online post on Harden-Murrumburrah and Surrounds Community page, some locals vented their opinions on what needs to be done.

“No chance [they can be rehommed] as they aren’t native birds. They are considered as pests. Sorry to say, in the government’s eyes they need to be destroyed. I know it’s hard but a true fact, these birds are pests. They poo all over the buildings and cause damage. They compete with native birds for food. They need to be culled,” one user commented.

“Yes, there is huge problem with the derelict buildings on Neill Street. The Council has powers under New South Wales planning to enforce that property owners keep their proper- ties free of vermin,” an- other user commented online.

“Council can force the property owner concerned to pay for the pest control, but they seemed to have not pursued this. It is also possible for affected neighbours to sue the property owner for the reduced value to their own property that the derelict buildings have caused.

“I guess it’s not too late to petition the Council here to use the powers they al- ready have. We can all write a complaint and then at least it has to be discussed.”

Another user was against the high population of pigeons in town, “What dis- eases do pigeons carry in Australia? Transmission of diseases such as histoplasmosis, cryptococcosis, and psittacosis (ornithosis). Attraction of ticks, mites, cockroaches and rats. Un- pleasant odour and noise issues. Damage to buildings and monuments due to the highly corrosive nature of pigeon droppings.” While other users were against the potential of culling the pigeons.

“When they poison them, they kill other birds as well,” another user commented.

“No, there are plenty of pigeons – no problem,” a separate user said.

The pigeon problem isn’t the only issue affecting the north end of Neill Street with reports windows have again been smashed at the Railway Station.

So, are you happy with the current pigeon population in town, or do you want something done about it? Will the Twin Town’s ever return to the care that was given to the station by former station masters?

Tim Warren