Large pidgeon eating cherry blossom

[HairyWoman]

I have a large wild cherry tree (as tall as our house, a 2 storey terrace). 10 years ago we were able to pick loads of cherries to cook and eat. We let the birds get the top cherries and we had those on the bottom.

A few years ago a big fat pidgeon 'discovered' it, then another. They eat the top and bottom cherries and, even worse eat the unripe cherries, one is currently outside eating the blossom!

What can I do? Netting seems drastic considering the height but is it the only remedy?

[Kathyjelly]

Farmers use birdscarers but they are a bit noisy. My brother uses an air rifle.