For a long time, the historic centers belonged to the pigeons. They perched on the cornices, besieged the stations, fluttered over the squares and turned the historic facades into their personal residences. In many French cities, this was almost a natural law. But over Troyes now flies another shadow: that of the peregrine falcon.
And this disrupts the usual order.
A pair of falcons officially lives on the city’s cathedral. Very high up, more than forty meters above the ground, even an artificial nest has been installed. At first glance it seems romantic – almost like a small return of wilderness among Gothic towers and old roofs. In reality, behind all this lies harsh urban politics.
Because pigeons cost money. A lot of money.
Their droppings damage the stone facades, dirty the squares and compromise historic buildings. Municipalities invest huge sums every year for cleaning and maintenance. Especially in cities with protected architecture, the costs can quickly become high. So the idea becomes quite logical: why not call in a natural enemy?
The peregrine falcon is perfect for this purpose. It is considered one of the fastest predators in the world and causes discomfort among pigeons just by its presence. Experts speak of the so-called “deterrent effect.” The birds perceive a constant threat, change their flight routes, and gradually abandon certain areas. No big catches, no controversial sterilization programs – nature takes care of the problem on its own. Really clever, to be honest.
Particularly remarkable is the story of this comeback. In the 1970s, the peregrine falcon was almost extinct in France. Pesticides and habitat destruction had severely decimated the population. Today, this raptor is rediscovering the cities. And biologically, it makes sense: tall church towers, modern skyscrapers, or industrial facilities resemble the rocky cliffs where the birds once nested.
The city replaces the mountain.
Some residents now watch the falcons with almost childlike enthusiasm. Ornithologists position themselves with binoculars in the squares, families suddenly stop in front of the cathedral to look up. This also changes the perception of the city itself. Among asphalt, traffic, and concrete, the feeling returns that nature does not only exist in the countryside.
And that is precisely the main appeal. The peregrine falcon is more than an elegant pest controller. It symbolically represents a new idea of urbanity – a city that no longer completely rejects animals but seeks to coexist with them.
And the pigeons?
They are slowly realizing that the sky over Troyes is no longer just theirs.
Andreas M. B.