The UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology reckons 200 bird species will become extinct in the UK by 2050, if things carry on as they are. This coincides with assorted attacks on the longest domesticated bird, the feral pigeon (Columba livia), the hottest avian news story of the moment. The most disturbing revelation is that Vale Wildlife Hospital and Rehabilitation Centre in Tewkesbury reports children using catapults to kill or maim the birds. TikTok videos boast of their ‘catty’ (catapult) collections. It is a sinister addition to the damaging and global effect technology is having on the living world. One only has to witness a toddler’s joyous pursuit of any wandering feral pigeon to acknowledge that, despite uncontrollable urbanism, the primal urge to hunt is alive and kicking. The catapulters are a teenage version, though wilful destruction rather than quarry for the pot is the aim. The birds are more...
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