Two of the surviving pigeons seeking chilly sanctuary on the church: 17th December
Some 300 pigeons have recently been found dead in mysterious circumstances in the commune of Epeigné-les-Bois. Tests are being carried out by Le laboratoire toxicologique to find out what caused this pandemic. The most likely explanation appears to be that they ate seed that had been planted for next year's harvest, which was coated with a poison to deter crows from eating the seed*.
Whatever the cause, the centre of Epeigné is now virtually free of pigeons.
* Amended (18th December): the tests have proved negative, although this does not rule out the possibility that the birds were poisoned. If this proves to be the case this naturally raises concerns about the seeds being used.
It seems likely that this will be one of the topics covered by Michel Mergot, maire of Epeigné, in his address to the citizens of Epeigné at the ceremonie des voeux for 2011.
Whatever the cause, the centre of Epeigné is now virtually free of pigeons.
* Amended (18th December): the tests have proved negative, although this does not rule out the possibility that the birds were poisoned. If this proves to be the case this naturally raises concerns about the seeds being used.
Michel Mergot
