Importance of Getting Rid of Pigeons and Starlings:

1. Health Risks: Pigeons and starlings can carry and transmit diseases such as histoplasmosis, cryptococcosis, and salmonellosis through their droppings and feathers. Accumulation of bird droppings on surfaces can create unsanitary conditions, leading to potential health hazards for humans.

2. Structural Damage: Pigeons and starlings often roost on buildings, ledges, and rooftops, causing damage to structures and facades. Their nesting activities can clog gutters, vents, and drainage systems, leading to water damage and deterioration of building materials over time.

3. Nuisance and Noise: Large populations of pigeons and starlings can create noise disturbances with their cooing, chirping, and flapping wings, particularly during nesting season. Their presence can also lead to unpleasant odors and unsightly messes around properties, impacting the quality of life for residents and visitors.

4. Safety Hazards: Pigeon droppings can make surfaces slippery and hazardous, increasing the risk of slips and falls for pedestrians. Additionally, nesting materials and debris can pose fire hazards, especially if they accumulate near electrical equipment or in ventilation systems.

Facts about Pigeons and Starlings in Nova Scotia:

1. Pigeon Population: Pigeons, also known as rock doves (Columba livia), are common urban birds found throughout Nova Scotia, including in cities like Dartmouth and Halifax. They are well-adapted to urban environments and often roost on buildings, bridges, and other structures.

2. Starling Population: European starlings (Sturnus vulgaris) are another common bird species found in Nova Scotia. They are known for their highly adaptive behavior and can be found in various habitats, including urban, suburban, and rural areas.

3. Migration Patterns: While some starlings may migrate seasonally, many pigeons and starlings in Nova Scotia are year-round residents, particularly in urban centers where food and shelter are abundant.

Growth in Numbers of Bird Issues in Dartmouth and Halifax, Nova Scotia:

1. Urbanization: Rapid urbanization in Dartmouth and Halifax creates favorable conditions for pigeons and starlings to thrive. Urban areas provide abundant food sources, such as discarded food scraps and overflowing garbage bins, as well as ample nesting sites on buildings and structures.

2. Availability of Food: Pigeons and starlings are opportunistic feeders and can easily find food in urban environments, including parks, outdoor dining areas, and residential neighborhoods. Increased human activity and food waste contribute to the growth of bird populations in urban areas.

3. Roosting Sites: Pigeons and starlings often congregate in large numbers at roosting sites, such as rooftops, ledges, and eaves of buildings. As the population of these birds increases, so does the likelihood of property damage and nuisance issues for residents and businesses.

4. Lack of Predators: In urban environments, natural predators of pigeons and starlings, such as birds of prey and feral cats, may be less prevalent, allowing bird populations to increase unchecked.