Artificial intelligence, birth control used to curb Geraldton pigeon numbers
In short:
Geraldton's growing pigeon population is raising concerns for households and businesses.
It is being fuelled by bumper grain seasons and spilled grain along roads.
What's next?
To tackle the issue, the shire is using OvoControl, a pigeon birth control, dispensed through AI feeder stations to curb egg laying.
Mic Payne says pigeon numbers have skyrocketed in the past few years at his home near the Geraldton port, 420 kilometres north of Perth.
He said there were only a few pigeons around when he and his family moved in eight years ago.
"We've got heaps of them," Mr Payne said.
"I've spent so much time trying to keep these pigeons out of the roof space.
"Once they decide they want to nest there, it's really hard to keep them out."
Mic Payne says he has noticed a large increase in pigeon numbers in the past two years. (ABC Midwest and Wheatbelt: Chris Lewis)
The growing pigeon population has become a significant concern for many Geraldton residents.
More grain means more food
City of Greater Geraldton acting coordinator of environmental health, Gregg Harwood, said there had been a surge in complaints from home owners and businesses.
"A lot of spilled grain along major roads has created an ideal breeding ground for pigeons," he said.
Control measures have been brought in to reduce the pigeon population. (ABC Midwest and Wheatbelt: Chris Lewis)
The council has teamed up with CBH and Midwest Ports to launch a pigeon control program, which began in early 2024.
The program uses a new product called OvoControl, a birth control method for pigeons, distributed through strategically placed feeder stations around the city.
"OvoControl helps control the reproductive rate of pigeons," Mr Harwood said.
"It will take time, but we expect to see a long-term reduction in pigeon numbers."
The program monitors pigeon activity at the feeder stations using motion-activated cameras and artificial intelligence (AI) software.
The cameras help ensure non-target species, such as ravens or cats, aren't disrupting the feeders meant for pigeons.
The feeder stations use artificial intelligence to monitor how many pigeons are feeding. (Supplied: City of Greater Geraldton)
"We have eight OvoControl feeding units set up and the goal is to reduce the pigeon population by 50 per cent each year," Mr Harwood said.
The birth control feed works by reducing the amount of yolk in pigeon eggs, preventing them from hatching.
"One of the advantages is that the product doesn't affect other animals," Mr Harwood said.
"So, if a raptor, like an eagle, eats a pigeon, it won't pass on the birth control effects."
The feeder units are computerised and can be programmed to dispense precise amounts of feed at specific times, helping to manage the pigeon population more effectively.
Gregg Harwood inspects one of the new pigeon feeders. (ABC Midwest and Wheatbelt: Chris Lewis)
For residents dealing with pigeons at home, Mr Howard suggested simple deterrents.
"You can hose them off your roof, use netting around solar panels and roof gaps, and even a pet cat can help scare them away," he said.