NYC Dept Of Health Violation for "attracting pests" aka pigeons

[bialdor]

Hello - have just recently joined this group, mainly because of the following problem but also for general advice and info. The specific problem is that, with our bird feeders in the back yard (Queens, NYC), apart from the cardinals, goldfinch, blue jays, sparrows etc we have also attracted a number of pigeons. Not a concern for us but it has prompted a neighbor to file a complaint with the NYC Dept of Health that we "are feeding pigeons and creating a massive mess"! Have had two Health inspector visits - the first after the big snow where we were issued a "violation notice" and the second this week where we got a another notice and the advice that a pest control inspector would visit shortly and, if we had not removed most if not all the feeders, as we were causing a "pest" situation, we would be fined up to $1000. We have stopped using feed with red millet and cracked corn but the pigeons seem to still be attracted to nijer and sunflower. The Health inspector also said that the pigeons would ruin the house roof probably prompting further legal problems with the neighbor (shared roof in a duplex). Any advice from anyone experienced with this situation would be greatly appreciated.

We recently rescued a pigeon that was caught up on a discarded kite line that had wound around and cut into where the wing joined the chest. I bathed it and put on some antiseptic cream, placed the bird in a box with some water and food but the bird did not last the night. Not sure if we did the right thing but perhaps something I can pursue later. But any info on the Dept of Health issue above looked forward to.

Thanks for your help.