Falcons can curb pigeon problem (UK)

[Donna]

THE peregrine falcon, captured on camera perched high on Blackburn House, Hanley, tucking into a nice piece of fresh pigeon, blood dripping from its viciously-hooked, sharp beak, the powerful large claws steadying the meal on the edge of the roof, as it proudly surveyed its territory (The Sentinel, March 24), did not please D .Hewitt, of Newcastle (The Sentinel, March 27).

He informed us of the daily slaying of songbirds that takes place in his garden by the peregrine's cousin, the equally well-equipped killer, the sparrow hawk, and suggested that there won't be any songsters left much longer, at this rate of "kill".

He added, that we should refrain from seeing these magnificent birds of prey as "cute".

Well I certainly don't see them as cute, a rather strange depiction, given the peregrine's natural killer instinct. The peregrine falcon has taken up residence in Hanley or pays a visit when food supplies are low in the countryside, knowing there's a plentiful supply of pigeon pie guaranteed, courtesy of the affluent takeaway/throwaway general public, to say nothing of those who take it upon themselves to make special journeys to town centres in order to feed the disease-ridden, fluffy little darlings.

These are the people to whom Mr Hewitt should be addressing his concerns.

Until this problem of town centre feathered inundation is tackled, with determination, I say bring on the peregrines.