In reply to Gemma Millwood (Letters, June 29), this is the first article about me in particular. Any previous articles were about problems with birds.

She refers to me as the "so-called" Birdman but I have been in the business for 15 years and I report on the problems some people face with pigeons and gulls.

Maybe Gemma does not have the problem of six inches of guano outside her bedroom window or has not had the great expense of a building repair necessitated by damage by birds.

I am often in contact with DEFRA over certain issues and obtain the necessary licences for particular jobs. As far as Scarecrow Bioacoustic Systems are concerned, these are not condoned by the RSPB or the RSPCA.

This system, however, can be far less harmful to birds than spikes or nets, which can injure them.

I love all types of birds. Many people will know I rescue a lot of birds and take them to a sanctuary or vet.

The main problem is those people who feed pigeons and gulls in public places, thus creating a nuisance/problem in an area where they probably don't even live themselves.

Gemma, if you would like to get in touch via the website, I can send you my booklet on "Herring Gulls" - or you can pick one up from the library.

"John The Birdman"

-John Butler, Portslade, www.cleandimensions.co.uk