>1) Capture of the birds, secondaries clipped or removed to inhibit
>dive-bombing. It didn't seem to affect their flying capabilities. Would
>clipping their primaries be a death sentence for them?
By clipping the last primary feathers you will reduce the length of the
wing and the bird will not be able to fly. So don't do that!
>2) Shooting the birds. Solves the problem but is a little drastic.
This should only be the very last option.
>3) Waving a bicycle pump in a random pattern around the head. Keeps them
>at a metre away.
DON'T DO THIS - it just stirs the birds up more!
My suggestion is :
Wear a wide-brimmed hat (or helmet) and sunglasses and stand very still
without moving near where the birds are known to attack. Don't show any
sign of fear if the bird swoops (but shield your eyes). The bird will
probably bomb you for a few times and then give-up. If so move about 10
metres one way and stand still for a few more minutes..... you get the
picture. Try and get a few more people involved in this behaviour over the
period of a week or so. The birds should learn that you pose no threat.
However, if they are an established pair that have been stirred up too much
in the past you can probably forget it.
Does anyone have other comments ??
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Dr Shane Raidal BVSc PhD MACVSc (Avian Health)
Lecturer in Veterinary Pathology
School of Veterinary Studies
Murdoch University phone: +61 9 360 2418
Perth,WA, 6150 fax: +61 9 310 4144
Australia
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