Chasing birds in a park?!

[peanutmandmss]

How frowned upon is this?
Running through a flock of pigeons id not get too worked up about, chasing and scaring a bird continually is different.

We have a lake and pond in the park next to us with swans, ducks and geese. I often see children go to chase the swans and geese, then the birds turn and chase/hiss as the children and they run off crying. I don’t blame them.

It's sending the wrong message to your children re behaviour towards animals. They shouldn't be chasing/distressing/antagonising anything. You need to be consistent that all animals are to be respected as beings that experience fear/pain etc in the same way we do, and that they are to be treated with kindness. So yes I judge people who let their kids do it and usually pass comment asking them to stop them.

I think it's shit parenting to allow it tbh. We should be teaching our kids that you don't purposefully scare animals. It's cruel and unnecessary.

And yes IME kids who chase birds are also little horrors in other ways

My kids are aware it is absolutely not on to do that
If they ever do they are told off

Lol to anyone who thinks the seagulls on the beaches around us are scared of my 4 year old. I don't know why anyone would assume a bird is scared, it can easily take off and return later. I'd guess it's nothing more than a minor inconvenience for them.

It forces them to expend energy they need for other stuff, like keeping warm.

Get chased by an elephant, or something of a similar size, then come back and tell us how it feels OP. Because that's the (rough) comparison of a pigeon vs a human, size wise.

I'm guessing, seeing as you haven't been back to the thread, that you think it's perfectly acceptable and 'kids being kids'.

Not something I'm that bothered about. The pigeons around here shameless and streetwise and can take care of themselves.

Don't get me started on seagulls. I would worry for any kids tangling with a seagull. They are ferocious scavengers who will take the food out of your hands. They can take care of themselves.

I frown, and judge, and tut loudly to boot!

My CM and friends are gardeners. My DD has been taught from 2 to chase birds to keep them off their produce. She doesn't chase cats, dogs or rabbits and has been taught to leave them alone if they want to be left alone.

Some gulls are massive.

I'm frightened of them let alone a small child.

I allow it. 😀

Winged rats.

I also scare away urban foxes if the neighbour's cat doesn't.

Hate it. While flocks or individual birds. Horrible

Can't stand pigeons but I've never let my dc chase them

My terrier also chases pigeons in the garden.
Are they bothered one bit ?

Nope

No one should let their children do this. It's cruel, not cute.

Couldn’t care less tbh. I often wave my hand out or kick my legs out so a group of pigeons can fly away if they’re too close. I wouldn’t be bothered if any of my DC wanted to run through a group of pigeons to see them fly off. It’ll be annoying for people who’s directions the birds fly off too so I’d probably limit the amount of times DC do it

I consider Children to be the natural enemy of pigeons, even the nicest child seems intent on chasing the poor little bastards.

BUT do I let DD do it? No, I do not.

Scaring animals is not okay.

Animals are not there to amuse children - why would anyone not teach their child that from a young age?

I tell my kids off and have stopped them when they've done this in the past, but I think some of the replies on here are a bit over the top. Surley being constantly vigilant of potential preditors and having to suddenly take flight is all part of the natural life of a bird?

I’ve never allowed it. I tell my kids very firmly that birds don’t exist for our entertainment and they have a right to a peaceful life without children chasing them.

I wouldn't let my DC do this, but I couldn't get too worked up about it tbh. I saw a little boy chasing a pigeon in the playground the other day and the bird kept flying out of the playground (where the boy couldn't get at it) and then coming back and landing in front of the boy. Almost as if it was taunting him...

And seagulls are vicious animals which can seriously injure small children. I've had a Cornish pasty pecked straight out of my hand by one before. So while I wouldn't condone my DC chasing them, I tend to think they can look after themselves.

Ducks, geese and other birds just minding their own business and doing their thing next to a pond are different and shouldn't be disturbed.

So I guess it depends on the circumstances and fowl in question 😁. But generally parents should put a stop to it in order to teach respect for animals. I wouldn't sit there seething though if a small child was chasing a pigeon.

They are birds. They can fly away! Worry about something more important fgs.

I wouldn't let my little one do this on purpose and make it a game and will tell him that they get scared but if he happens to run towards the birds then unfortunately there's nothing I can do about that as it's too late. I will pull him away from the next group and constantly tell him but when you are in open space and have a active breed of a child just running around and you happen to bump into a group of birds then there's nothing you can do as young children don't have spatial awareness. I also don't allow my child to get close to squirrels as well as they can be unpredictable.