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Kyleakin Lofts · September 18, 2012

I think we are seeing a change in tactics used by the BOP. Peregrines are hunting in the same way as SHs and neither are particularly scared of humans. They may be imprinted on town living and nesting since more seem to so do. In these environments, their prey species will change because of inherant dangers of attacking their normal prey. In these environments, racing pigeons are more plentiful around lofts so loft attacks are increasing. They have to kill to eat and High level, dive bombing attacks are too dangerous in these environments so they are now ambushing and skimming at their prey.

September 18, 2012

I think that stray pigeons and ferals are our major weakness. I think it is about time we accepted the responsiblity for them and removed them from the environment. Falcons are having easy pickings and just like well fed domestic cats they are able to attack our pigeons on a full stomach. We in this area had big problems early this year because the Falcon was picking youngsters off as they were learning to fly. Two of the local lads fired rockets at them when they were striking at the pigeons. After one session of this the falcons left our area alone.

As far as the Spars are concerned I have noticed that they don't like lead pellets traveling in their direction which is easy to do because they are in range much of the time.

The one thing that was missing from the excellent write up was the details of where and how Spars nest because that is their weakness. The nests are relitively easy to find and are normally quite easy to get at. No nests, no young no problem. I know one chap who worked out which route the Spar was taking to attack his pigeons so he drapped some fine mesh pea netting accross the line of attack. It worked.

I have made owl faces from old CDs and suspended them on string so that they are always on the move catching the light. Since I have done this I have not had any attacks around the loft.

September 19, 2012

I think that stray pigeons and ferals are our major weakness. I think it is about time we accepted the responsiblity for them and removed them from the environment. Falcons are having easy pickings and just like well fed domestic cats they are able to attack our pigeons on a full stomach. We in this area had big problems early this year because the Falcon was picking youngsters off as they were learning to fly. Two of the local lads fired rockets at them when they were striking at the pigeons. After one session of this the falcons left our area alone.
As far as the Spars are concerned I have noticed that they don't like lead pellets traveling in their direction which is easy to do because they are in range much of the time.
The one thing that was missing from the excellent write up was the details of where and how Spars nest because that is their weakness. The nests are relitively easy to find and are normally quite easy to get at. No nests, no young no problem. I know one chap who worked out which route the Spar was taking to attack his pigeons so he drapped some fine mesh pea netting accross the line of attack. It worked.
I have made owl faces from old CDs and suspended them on string so that they are always on the move catching the light. Since I have done this I have not had any attacks around the loft.

yes owen spars do use the same route to attack and its the one that gets them nearest to your birds so closing the route off has helped but any disturbance of bop nests will get members into trouble and a unmated female or faild nest will give you even more trouble like the rockets idea wonder if they would work withot the noise that would make them open to a lot more use to lofts in estate