Beijing grounds kites, pigeons, as Games near

By Gillian Murdoch and Chris Buckley

BEIJING (Reuters) - Homing pigeons and kites are the latest victims of Beijing's drive to hold a trouble-free Olympics after authorities announced they will be banned in parts of the city.

Elaborate kites in the shape of dragons and other creatures are a common sight in the skies above Beijing parks, where enthusiasts fly them to giddy heights.

Raising homing pigeons is also a hobby popular among longtime residents, especially old people, who sometimes attach whistles to birds' feet so they whir through the air.

But for some pigeon-fanciers, at least, no longer.

The Beijing government announced pigeons and kites must disappear from the skies over 40 neighborhoods. "Both flying pigeons and kites have been a severe threat to the safety of planes coming out of the airport. In order to strengthen the sky clearance, certain areas have banned kite flying to avoid potential danger," the eight-page regulation issued by the local government stated.

China has gone to extraordinary lengths to avoid attacks, protests and mishaps marring the Games from Friday, when the government wants to show an image of national stability and contentment.

A "suspected terrorist" bomb attack in China's restive Xinjiang region killed 16 police on Monday. Two men from the region's Muslim Uighur community were detained on the spot.

The kite and pigeon ban covers seven central, southern and western districts in the city, and includes kite-flying havens such as the Temple of Heaven park and the western-lying Fragrant Hills.

Kite-maker Liu Xuejin, 61, who flies the swallow-shaped kites his store specializes in every night, said the rule was puzzling.

"There's not much potential danger in flying kites, so long as you don't play along the roads where there are high electricity wires," said Liu, who has crafted kites out of silk and bamboo for decades. "They must be joking."

(Additional reporting by Beijing newsroom)

(Editing by Miral Fahmy and Nick Macfie)