It appears that birds are retaliating against humans by constructing nests using spikes that were initially intended to deter them from perching on buildings. However, experts are suggesting that it’s time for humans to abandon their war against unwanted birds. While there are numerous methods to deter or remove birds from urban areas, such as spikes, fire gel, professional falconers, and plastic owls, these methods often only provide temporary relief. Jeff Knott, the director of policy and advocacy at the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, believes that these bird deterrents are mostly pointless or even harmful to wildlife. Instead, he argues for a harmonious coexistence with wildlife, especially in the face of the nature and climate emergency.
Dr. Madeleine Goumas, an expert in herring gulls, agrees that bird control techniques are not foolproof, including the use of predator species. She explains that there is very little evidence to support the effectiveness of decoy predators or predator calls, and birds quickly habituate to them if they are not perceived as real threats. Falconry, another commonly used method, also has its downsides as the deterrence is temporary. Even in cases where it is permitted to remove or kill birds, such interventions may not provide a permanent solution, as other birds will simply move into the same area. Additionally, poorly fitted netting can trap and harm birds.
While Knott and Goumas acknowledge that there are certain scenarios where bird deterrence is necessary, such as airport runways, they argue that in many cases, it is simply a human preference because birds are perceived as a nuisance. They emphasize the importance of remembering that we share the world with wild animals, including birds, and that it is their habitat as much as it is ours. With the decline of 45 million birds in the UK over the past 50 years, Knott believes there is a moral and legal responsibility to help wildlife recover and find ways to coexist with them.
Tom Stewart from the British Trust for Ornithology agrees, stating that birds should not be seen as enemies but as species that deserve protection. Knott also highlights the benefits that welcoming wildlife can bring to people, citing studies showing that spending time in nature and having access to green spaces can lead to longer, healthier, and happier lives.