Initially May 8, 1867 in the Memphis Appeal 17(243): 4.
We learn from reliable sources that the farmers of many of the western counties are much troubled with pigeons, in fact these birds have become a perfect scourge. Vast flocks have made their appearance, the air in many places being literally darkened; and having migrated a long distance from the south they are very voracious. These flocks alight upon the fields of new sown grain, and rolling over and over like the waves of the sea, pick up every kernel of grain in sight. It is impossible to drive them away; they are unmindful of the firing of guns, throwing of stones, shooting of men or barking of dogs; and it is an easy task to kill any number of them with a pole. One farmer residing near Independence had sown three acres of wheat, and was preparing to harrow it in, when the pigeons made their appearance and gobbled up every kernel before he could get it covered. Some fields containing forty acres were absolutely covered with pigeons, and although the sportsmen waged an incessant warfare against them, and killed great numbers, their places were soon supplied with others. Hunting pigeons has lost the charm of novelty, and the main question is now to save the grain. With the present high price of seed wheat, and its scarcity, this becomes a question of serious consideration.
A great number of fields will have to be sowed a second time, and we hear of some farmers who are doing it the third time. From all accounts, the main depredations of the feathered scourge appear to be confined to the region of country bordering the Wapsipinicon, as but comparatively little damage is reported along the Cedar river. — Dubuque Herald.
May 17, 1867. Lockport Daily Journal and Courier 9(73): 1.A Pigeon Invasion.
The Dubuque (Iowa) Herald says that in the western counties of the State the pigeons "have become a perfect scourge. Vast flocks have made their appearance, the air in many places being literally darkened, and having migrated a long distance from the South, they are very voracious. The flocks alight upon the fields of new-sown grain, and rolling over and over like the waves of the sea, pick up every kernel of grain in sight. It is impossible to drive them away; they are unmindful of the firing of guns, throwing of stones, shouting of men or barking of dogs, and it is an easy matter to kill any number of them with a pole. One farmer residing two miles east of Independence had sown three acres of wheat, and preparing to harrow it in, when the pigeons made their appearance and gobbled up every kernel before he could get it covered. Some fields containing forty acres were covered with pigeons, and, although the sportsmen was an incessant warfare against them, and killed great numbers, their places were soon supplied with others. Hunting pigeons has lost the charm of novelty, and the main question is how to save the grain."
June 6, 1867. Farmer's Cabinet 65(46): 1.