A Humane Approach to Pigeon Control: Cambridge’s Market Square Dilemma
Cambridge city officials have stepped away from traditional culling methods in their ongoing struggle with the local pigeon population, instead exploring more compassionate alternatives to address the issue. The most promising approach currently under consideration is egg swapping—an innovative technique that involves replacing real pigeon eggs with convincing decoys. This thoughtful strategy allows the birds to continue their natural nesting behaviors without psychological distress, while effectively preventing new generations from hatching. The method represents a significant shift toward more ethical wildlife management practices in urban settings, acknowledging the pigeons as living creatures deserving of humane treatment while still addressing the legitimate concerns about their growing numbers in the market area.
Last November, the council invested £4,000 in an alternative solution, bringing in a group of Harris’s hawks to patrol Cambridge Market Square. These raptors were not deployed as hunters but as deterrents, intended to frighten the pigeons into establishing nests and roosts elsewhere without causing them physical harm. The four-week trial represented a natural approach to the problem, using the pigeons’ instinctual fear of predators to modify their behavior rather than resorting to more direct interventions. However, this program hit an unexpected roadblock in January when it was paused due to members of the public deliberately undermining the effort by providing “industrial amounts of bird feed” to the pigeons, essentially anchoring them to the location despite the hawks’ presence.
The hawk patrol initiative, while well-intentioned, sparked significant community backlash, culminating in a petition that gathered over 4,300 signatures from concerned citizens who wanted to see the pigeons protected and cared for properly. This strong public response highlighted the emotional connection many Cambridge residents feel toward these urban birds, which many view as an integral part of the market’s character and atmosphere. The controversy demonstrates the complex balance city officials must strike between effective urban wildlife management and respecting community values regarding animal welfare. The petition’s substantial support suggests that any successful solution must not only be effective but must also align with the community’s ethical standards and emotional attachments.
In response to the challenges created by public feeding, the council has now voted to introduce fines for those who continue to feed the pigeons in the market area. This regulatory approach acknowledges that well-meaning but misguided human behavior is exacerbating the pigeon population issue. City Councillor Harper expressed frustration with the situation, noting that previous requests for the public to stop feeding the birds had proven ineffective—like “fighting a losing battle.” The new financial penalties represent an attempt to create meaningful consequences for actions that, while perhaps kindly intended, ultimately contribute to population growth, increased waste, and potential health concerns in the market square.
This ongoing situation in Cambridge exemplifies the multifaceted challenges of urban wildlife management in the 21st century. Cities worldwide are increasingly rejecting lethal control methods in favor of more humane approaches, reflecting evolving public attitudes about our responsibilities toward urban animal populations. The egg-swapping proposal represents this shifting paradigm perfectly—acknowledging that while control measures may be necessary, they need not be cruel. By allowing the pigeons to engage in their natural behaviors while humanely limiting population growth, Cambridge is working toward a balanced solution that respects both human needs and animal welfare.
The Cambridge pigeon management story reflects broader questions about how humans and wildlife can coexist in shared urban spaces. The community’s divided response—with some actively undermining control efforts while others support intervention—highlights how urban wildlife issues often become emotionally charged debates about values rather than simple practical problems. As cities continue to grow and wildlife adapts to urban environments, finding compassionate, effective, and community-supported approaches to wildlife management will only become more important. Cambridge’s exploration of egg swapping, hawk patrols, and feeding regulations represents not just a response to a local pigeon problem, but part of an evolving conversation about our ethical responsibilities toward the creatures that share our urban habitats.
<img src="https://www.mtlblog.com/media-library/a-woman-smiles-and-poses-in-front-of-a-golden-forest-right-a-couple-pose-in-front-of-bright-orange-trees-in-quebec.jpg?id=53769256&width=1245&height=700&coordinates=6%2C0%2C0%2C0"/><br/><br/><p>If you're looking for the <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/fall-foliage-map-prettiest-leaves-quebec" target="_self" rel="noopener">best places to see fall colours in Quebec</a> or want to take a dreamy fall road trip from Montreal, look no further!</p><p>As the crisp air rolls in and the leaves start to turn, <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/best-fall-colours-destination-near-montreal-prince-edward-county-canada" target="_self" rel="noopener">Quebec transforms into an autumn lover's paradise</a>. The trees light up in a mix of fiery reds, oranges, and golden yellows, making every corner of the province look like a painting come to life.</p><p>If you're ready to embrace sweater weather and take in some seriously jaw-dropping scenery, these 11 spots are the <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/small-town-near-montreal-autumn-vibes" target="_self" rel="noopener">perfect places to soak up the season's best colours</a>. From vibrant forests to shimmering lakes, get ready to experience all of the fall feels!</p><h3>Parc national des Hautes‑Gorges-de-la-Rivière‑Malbaie</h3><br/><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CU523mQgNgO/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=edfb6e8f-4f30-4d0f-804a-e74647fbac83" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CU523mQgNgO/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=edfb6e8f-4f30-4d0f-804a-e74647fbac83" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top" rel="noopener">See on Instagram</a>
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</blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><p>Cost: $9.85 per adult for a day pass</p><p>Address: 500, rue Principale, Saint-Aimé-des-Lacs, QC</p><p>Why You Need To Go: Hautes-Gorges-de-la-Rivière-Malbaie National Park is easily one of Quebec's most beautiful spots. With its towering cliffs and sweeping views, it's the kind of place that'll leave you totally speechless. Whether you're hiking the trails or paddling along the Malbaie River in a kayak or canoe, you'll get to experience the stunning fall colours from every angle.</p><p><a href="https://www.sepaq.com/pq/hgo/index.dot?language_id=2" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sépaq website</a></p><h3>Mont King</h3><br/><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/Cj5Z5smOPCw/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Cj5Z5smOPCw/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top" rel="noopener">See on Instagram</a>
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</blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><p>Cost: $10 per adult from May to November, free for residents</p><p>Address: Mont King, Parc régional de Val-David-Val-Morin, QC</p><p>Why You Need To Go: After a two-hour hike, you'll reach the summit of Mont King, and the fall colours make the view even more breathtaking. With a 570-metre elevation, the cliffside offers a stunning backdrop of vibrant autumn foliage—especially if you time your hike for sunset, when the golden light hits the trees just right!</p><p><span></span><a href="https://www.parcregional.com/activites/course-et-randonnee/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Parc régional de Val-David-Val-Morin Website</a></p><h3>Parc de la Gorge de Coaticook</h3><br/><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CU6kRKoq1Hg/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CU6kRKoq1Hg/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top" rel="noopener">See on Instagram</a>
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</blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><p>Cost: $10.50 per adult for a day pass</p><p>Address: 400, rue Saint-Marc, Coaticook, QC</p><p>Why You Need To Go: Stretching 169 metres, the suspension bridge at Parc de la Gorge de Coaticook offers incredible views of the surrounding forest and the river winding below. This fall, it's the perfect spot to soak in the colourful scenery while getting a little thrill as you walk across.</p><p><a href="https://gorgedecoaticook.qc.ca" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Parc de la Gorge de Coaticook Website</a></p><h3>Vallée Bras-du-Nord</h3><br/><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DAmVhC0s8Dn/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DAmVhC0s8Dn/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top" rel="noopener">See on Instagram</a>
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</blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><p>Cost: $10 for access to the trail</p><p>Address: 2180, rang Saguenay, Saint-Raymond, QC</p><p>Why You Need To Go: For an autumnal hike that'll leave you feeling inspired, hit the trails at Parc de la Vallée Bras-du-Nord. This eight-kilometre round-trip trek brings you right to the breathtaking Delaney Falls, a 20-metre cascade that looks like it's straight out of a postcard.</p><p><a href="https://valleebrasdunord.com/activites-de-plein-air/randonnee-pedestre/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Vallée Bras-du-Nord Website</a></p><h3>Mont Sourire</h3><br/><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CGkYOwiHi6p/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CGkYOwiHi6p/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top" rel="noopener">See on Instagram</a>
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</blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><p>Cost: Free</p><p>Address: Chemin de l'Étang, Saint-Donat-de-Montcalm, QC</p><p>Why You Need To Go: Mont-Sourire promises a laid-back, easy hike with stunning views of the forest and Lac Ouareau. The lookout point is just one-kilometre from the parking lot, but you can extend your hike to a scenic four-kilometre loop.</p><p>Dogs are welcome, so you can enjoy the fall beauty with your furry friend by your side!</p><p><a href="https://lanaudiere.ca/fr/activites-lanaudiere/plein-air/randonnee/mont-sourire/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Lanaudière Website</a></p><h3>Tyroparc</h3><br/><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CF2cwRRHlUt/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CF2cwRRHlUt/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top" rel="noopener">See on Instagram</a>
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</blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><p>Cost: From $80 per adult for the four mega-zip lines</p><p>Address: 400, ch. du Mont Catherine, Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts, QC</p><p>Why You Need To Go: Just an hour and a half from Montreal, Tyroparc lets you zipline over a stunning, multicoloured forest that'll be fully decked out for fall. Gliding through the crisp fall air with those sweeping mountain views will give you an unforgettable experience. Just don't close your eyes, you won't want to miss this!</p><p><a href="https://www.tyroparc.com/accueil/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Tyroparc Website</a></p><h3>Verger du Flanc Nord</h3><br/><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CGiiILInAED/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CGiiILInAED/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top" rel="noopener">See on Instagram</a>
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</blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><p>Cost: Free admission, price of apples varies</p><p>Address: 835, ch. Rouillard, Mont-Saint-Hilaire, QC</p><p>Why You Need To Go: Apple picking has never felt more picturesque than at Verger du Flanc Nord. With its charming farm animals, ponds, willow trees, apple orchards, and pumpkin patches, it looks like something straight out of a fall-themed dreamland. Plus, the vibrant autumn colours here are absolutely breathtaking.</p><p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100061829298795" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Verger du Flanc Nord Facebook page</a></p><h3>Chocolate Mountain trail</h3><br/><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CjLbwehr5pq/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CjLbwehr5pq/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top" rel="noopener">See on Instagram</a>
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</blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><p>Cost: $7.83 per adult for a day pass</p><p>Address: 300, rte du Massif, Saint-Philémon, QC</p><p>Why You Need To Go: In autumn, the Chocolate Mountain trail promises a feast of colour that you won't want to miss. The four-kilometre hike (eight kilometres round-trip) with a 380-metre elevation might be a bit of a challenge, but the golden payoff at the top is absolutely worth it.</p><p><span></span><a href="https://massifdusud.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Parc du Massif du Sud website</a></p><h3>Mont Cayamant Fire Tower</h3><br/><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CVNmo3Errw_/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CVNmo3Errw_/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top" rel="noopener">See on Instagram</a>
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</blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><p>Cost: Free admission</p><p>Address: Mont Cayamant, Cayamant, QC</p><p>Why You Need To Go: In the Outaouais region, around three hours from Montreal, you'll find an impressive observation tower with 125 steps that offers a breathtaking 360-degree view of the forest below, bursting with orange, yellow, and red hues. The climb is definitely worth it for the panoramic fall colours (and for your step count!).</p><p><a href="https://www.cayamant.ca/index.php/touristes/attraits-touristiques/2-cayamant/206-mont-cayamant" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Mont Cayamant Website</a></p><h3>Sentier des cimes Laurentides</h3><br/><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CjMOZilL05S/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CjMOZilL05S/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top" rel="noopener">See on Instagram</a>
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</blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><p>Cost: $31 per adult for a day pass, or $25 with a student card</p><p>Address: 737, rue de la Pisciculture, Mont-Blanc, QC</p><p>Why You Need To Go: Rising above the forest in Saint-Faustin-Lac-Carré, this easy hike to the top of a massive 40-metre observation tower offers stunning views of this iconic Laurentides landscape, especially during fall. It's a must-see this autumn for those looking to soak up the region's vibrant colours.</p><p><a href="https://treetop-walks.com/laurentides/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Sentier des cimes Laurentides Website</a></p><h3>Mekinac Trail in La Mauricie National Park</h3><br/><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CV2sE3qLTj6/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CV2sE3qLTj6/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top" rel="noopener">See on Instagram</a>
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</blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><p>Cost: $8.50 </p><p>Address: Parc national de la Mauricie - Chemin de Saint-Jean-des-Piles, Shawinigan, QC</p><p>Why You Need To Go: The floating boardwalk on the Mekinac Trail, nestled in the heart of La Mauricie National Park, is a fall dream come true. You'll get to admire the vibrant autumn leaves while feeling like you're walking on water. What more could you ask for?</p><p><a href="https://www.pc.gc.ca/fr/pn-np/qc/mauricie" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Parks Canada Website</a></p><p><em>Before you get going, check out our <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/responsible-travel-guidelines" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Responsible Travel Guide</a> so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your trip.</em></p><p><em><em><em><em>This story was adapted from the article "<a href="https://www.narcity.com/fr/couleurs-autome-quebec-meilleur-endroit">11 endroits au Québec où les couleurs t’en mettront plein la vue cet automne</a>," which was originally published on Narcity Québec by </em></em></em></em><em><em><em><em>Françoise Goulet-Pelletier.</em></em></em></em></p>
