The City of Chandler is taking a decisive stand against an avian adversary, inking a substantial contract to rid their city structures of pigeon populations. Fred Payne, known colloquially as "The Pigeon Guy," has landed a $350,000 deal with the city to tackle the troublesome birds roosting across various municipal properties. According to FOX 10 Phoenix, the contract involves installing steel cables and netting, and strategically placing traps to encourage permanent relocation of the pigeons.
Describing his battle approach, Payne said, "Generally, when you see something like this, there's a nest near wherever you see this kind of waste," as reported by FOX 10 Phoenix. His reference is to the unwelcome marks left behind by the feathered squatters. With his expertise, Payne has devised ways to prevent pigeons from nesting by eliminating spaces where their eggs won't roll and where they can find shelter. The project, which targets roughly a dozen city properties, is expected to take a few months, necessitating patience as much as perseverance on part of city officials.
The mayor of Chandler, Kevin Hartke, couldn't help but show a light-hearted side during a council meeting regarding the pigeon issue. Amid formal city business, humor took flight when Hartke inquired if "The Pigeon Guy" himself was present, as reported by Chandler Independent. Council member Angel Encinas became the butt of a light joke, with Hartke asking, "I think you (Council member Angel Encinas) called this in, just to see what a guy with than moniker looks like," lightening the mood as the city prepared to tackle the pigeon predicament in earnest.
While pigeons might appear as harmless city dwellers, their presence in droves presents a series of sanitation and property damage issues, prompting the hefty investment. Payne's battle is fought not with deterrents or poisons but with the surgical precision of a man well-versed in avian behavior, determined to reclaim the city spaces marred by the winged residents. Permanent relocation under Payne's plan entails trapping these urban birds, a tactic essential as pigeons, being homing creatures, would "be back before you can drive your car back," Payne elucidated an interview with FOX 10 Phoenix.
