The municipality of Cornellà del Terri, located in Pla de l'Estany, has detected a significant increase in its pigeon population. This proliferation has raised public health concerns, primarily due to the accumulation of droppings. Initially, methods such as using falcons to scare the birds were tried, but without success, as they returned shortly after.
Last year, the Town Council hired a company specializing in pest management and began using cages for bird capture, achieving better results. So far this year, 300 pigeons have been captured, a figure that represents a 17% increase compared to the entire previous year, when approximately 250 were caught.
Problems are particularly concentrated in certain streets of the municipality and in the school area. The mayor, Salvador Coll, has described the situation as "worrying," likening the large number of pigeons to "a great flock" reminiscent of "a large wave of starlings."
“"We are talking about a large flock of pigeons. When they took off, it looked like a large wave of starlings like those we have in January"
In addition to health issues, the accumulation of droppings affects the energy community's solar panels, increasing cleaning costs, according to the mayor.
The solution involves the strategic placement of cages. Two units have been installed near the school, and a larger one in another key location. These cages attract pigeons with food, facilitating their capture. The pest control company conducted a study to determine the most efficient locations, and more modern, effective models have been used this year.
“"Using the study on pigeon habits and behavior, we have strategically placed the cages and not scattered them throughout the municipality, which would have resulted in failure"
The potential cause for the proliferation is believed to be the presence of disused warehouses and farmhouses near the town, where pigeons have found habitats to nest and reproduce. The Town Council has already contacted the owners of these properties to request they be secured.
