Lively Debate in Soest: Managing Urban Pigeons: A Common Pest or Wildlife?
08.06.2025, 07:59 AM
Soest's Persistent Crow Issue Stirs Controversy
By Corina Wegler
For yonks, the protected crows of Soest, Westphalia, have been a thorny topic. The buzz at the city chat yesterday on the market square was a testament to this divisive issue.
Our website and Facebook pages were splashy with heated comments too. Opinions on these winged critters ranged from adoration and tolerance to sheer rejection.
"Sick of noisy crows? Let's talk about it!"
A symphony of squawks, a symphony of complaints
"" and "" - these remarks mock the discord in Soest, starkly contrasting with complaints about noise, filth, and frustrated residents. Soest local Rainer Stratmann, who resides in a crow hotspot, shares his sentiment: ""
Building surveyor Matthias Abel reports on ear-splitting noise readings in a particularly troubled park of pteroid-infested Soest: "" Many also bemoan bird droppings everywhere.
Finding a solution: a daunting task
Joachim Druke from the Circle Soest Biological Environmental Protection Association (ABU) understands the residents' plight but acknowledges the vast divide in proposed solutions. ""
The city of Soest has already flung a plethora of tactics at the problem: from lighting systems to acoustic calls, even a bird whisperer. Three crow forests were planted outside the city, hoping the crows would opt for the countryside. But so far, these winged miscreants have stayed put in Soest.
Drastic measures: shoot 'em or drug 'em?
Lower Saxony CDU state parliamentarian Heinrich Frieling dropped by for a chat with our moderator Arndt Brunnert. Matthias Abel reminds us of an exception permit in the Wesermarsch district that allows the shooting of protected crows. Frieling chimes in: ""
Environmental activist Holger Sticht suggests limiting food availability for crows in urban areas and recommends cross-district retreat areas for birds. ""
About 200 Soest residents gathered for our local time city chat on the market square.
An anti-baby pill for crows - Matthias Abel places great hope in this prospect. After all, it worked with pigeons. However, there's still no such pill for crows, as research is ongoing: ""
As an affected Soester, Gisela Droste-Wegmann expressed satisfaction with the discussions: ""
Audio starts and ends with Escape
What's in the playing field?
Managing the crows in Soest involves both current strategies and proposed methods. Methods include:
- Noise deterrents
- Visual deterrents
- Nesting control
- Waste management
- Community engagement
Proposed strategies include:
- Ecological approaches
- Modern deterrents
- Legislation and policy
- Collaborative research
- Community-led initiatives
These tactics could vary based on local regulations, community involvement, and environmental factors. For up-to-date, location-specific information, seek advice from local authorities or wildlife experts.
- In the midst of the crow-related controversies, some have suggested a shift from discussing the noise and filth to embracing the scientific aspect, touching upon environmental science and climate change. As one user commented, "Let's talk about the positive impact of crows on our environment and climate-change mitigation."
- In the domain of home and garden, certain measures could potentially address the issue of bird droppings. Holger Sticht, an environmental activist, proposed, "Limiting food availability for crows in urban areas and creating cross-district retreat areas for birds could help alleviate the problem of bird droppings."
- As the debate rages on, solutions from a variety of fields are being considered. Joachim Druke from the ABU noted, "From the methods we currently use, such as noise deterrents and waste management, to proposed strategies like ecological approaches and community-led initiatives, we need to explore all possibilities to find a resolution."
