threat, Government's Conservation Officer has warned.

David Winagate said the birds were relatively uncommon in Bermuda until the 1960s, but dairy farms, increasing urbanisation, and well intentioned park goers had caused a population explosion.

Pigeons now enjoy a plentiful food source from farm animal waste feed, manure and public dumps.

And periodic "knock downs'' of the pigeon population through shooting are last resorts and can provide only temporary relief.

"Even if we shot every pigeon, it would still be a chronic problem,'' Dr.

Wingate told The Royal Gazette this week.

"Shooting is treating the symptom, the cause is artificial feeding.'' Ranked as one of the most commonly found birds in the world, Dr. Wingate said pigeons were also one of the most common vagrants in Bermuda.

Pigeons were often blown offshore from the North American continent or arrived aboard cruise and cargo ships.

Although several local pigeon fanciers raise private flocks, Dr. Wingate said the flocks were well controlled and contributed little to the feral population.

Feral pigeons may be carriers of salmonella and other diseases. And in Bermuda, birds roosting and defecating on white rooftops presents a unique problem.

Corporation of Hamilton secretary Roger Sherratt said he had not received many complaints recently, but admitted pigeons represented a problem which had to be dealt with "from time to time''.

"It's difficult to say don't feed the birds in the park,'' he said. "People tend to have a natural kindness.'' Dr. Wingate's suggestion that dairy farms needed to upgrade feeding methods was met with strong opposition.

Richard Bascome of Westover Dairy Farm in Somerset agreed pigeons had always congregated around his farm.

But he said farmers did all they could to prevent the "flying rats'' from eating expensive feed.

And he explained the 24-hour open trough access needed by the cows meant that any feed accessible to cows would also be accessible to pigeons.

Michael Dunkley, of Dunkley and Pioneer Dairies Ltd., was surprised by Dr.

Wingate's suggestion and supported the efforts of local farmers.

The Government MP said local farmers were especially sensitive to the problem because pigeons threatened the health of their animals.

"I'm sure local farmers are doing the best they can,'' he said.

ANIMAL ALS