DEAR SUN SPOTS: I hope you or your readers can help us. We are having a big problem with pigeons on our roof — as many as 20 or 30 at a time. Their droppings fall on our walkway and driveway. It’s very messy and dirty. We’ve always had a few but not like this year. I’m sure it’s also bad for the roof.

Our building is two-and-a-half stories, and my husband cannot go on that roof. We’d appreciate help. Thank you very much! — R.B.T., Auburn

ANSWER: Sun Spots found a plethora of suggestions online about how to keep pigeons off roofs. The methods include various ways of blocking the pigeons from roosting — or at least making it uncomfortable for them to do so — such as wires, gels, spikes, ways to eliminate nesting sites, etc. Unfortunately, most require going up on the roof to install, which doesn’t sound like a very good idea in your case.

You could hire a roofer, contractor or handyman to do it for you. One other idea online was a noise emitter that’s supposed to scare them away. These devices include Bird X-Peller Pro and Critter Blaster Pro.

You can buy these annoying sound emitters (at a frequency inaudible to humans) at various websites, including www.bird-x.com, www.birdbgone.com and of course the ubiquitous Amazon.com. Sun Spots looked at the options at Amazon, and the prices vary widely, with balcony-size versions for about $30 and the “pro” versions up around $170. You can call Amazon at 1-800-201-7575.

Sun Spots has an idea, but she doesn’t know if it would work. You could try putting a high-pressure nozzle on your hose and spraying them with water. Perhaps readers will have additional suggestions.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I am writing about why we don’t see any birds around Lewiston any more — only pigeons, crows, squirrels and sparrows. I did see an opossum this spring with babies. There must be a reason for these unusual things. Thanks for your help. — Dennis Whitmore, Lewiston

ANSWER: Birds come and go depending on their nesting patterns and food supply. In the summer there is quite a bit for them to eat (bugs, berries, seeds). Sun Spots has just noted a return of birds to her feeders, so you might see some soon.

As for why you aren’t seeing more songbirds in your neighborhood, Sun Spots can’t explain. Perhaps you have a lot of stray cats or other predators who are scaring them off. Or it could be some change in their patterns based on the warming weather.

Or perhaps the food supply is lacking. Have you tried putting out feeders with black oil sunflower seeds? Most birds like them. You could also put out a birdhouse and birdbath to make your yard more appealing. Once you’ve provided food, water and housing, along with some cover (trees, bushes) for them to hide in, the birds should come, but it might take a while.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Do you know of anyone in the Farmington area who sharpens scissors and shears? — No Name, Chesterville

ANSWER: Online, Sun Spots found Custom Sharpening & Vacuum Repair, 805 Farmington Falls Road, Farmington, 778-3446, but no one ever answers the phone, so she isn’t sure if it’s in business or not. Maybe readers will know its status or of some other options.

This column is for you, our readers. It is for your questions and comments. There are only two rules: You must write to the column and sign your name (we won’t use it if you ask us not to). Please include your phone number. Letters will not be returned or answered by mail, and telephone calls will not be accepted. Your letters will appear as quickly as space allows. Address them to Sun Spots, P.O. Box 4400, Lewiston, ME 04243-4400. Inquiries can also be e-mailed to sunspots@sunjournal.com.

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