A gamekeeper for the city

There are around 100 different types of birds in the city of Zurich. Keeping the population under control is a challenge. (SRF/swissinfo.ch)

There are around 100 different kinds of birds living in the city of Zurich. A number of lake birds, sparrows, but also birds of prey such as the common kestrel. While some species like pigeons are thriving in cities, others like house sparrows that are having a hard life and might soon disappear.

It’s gamekeeper This Schenkel’s job to keep the bird population in Zurich under control. First thing in the morning, he sets up pigeon traps. The trapped birds have to be put down and are fed to the wolves in a nearby zoo.

But luckily this is not the only method Schenkel uses to keep pigeons under control. The city has an old pigeonry, where around 40 pigeons are breeding. Here Schenkel regularly collects the eggs and replaces them with plastic versions.

Another problem is caused by swans polluting a beach. Schenkel lets his dog run after the swans in order to scare them off. This won’t keep them away permanently, but manages to keep the numbers at bay.