Pigeons galore!

[Garden Manager]

Most of the year we rarely see more than one or two wood pigeons in the garden. Around this time of year though they all seem to make a bee-line for our garden.

However we have never had as many visit in one go than we did this morning. It was hard to do an accurate count, but i reckon at least 12 if not more gathered on our main lawn to eat the food we'd put out.

I have now given them a new nickname. 'Hoovers' (as in the vacuum cleaners), since they 'hoover' up all the food!!

Still this doesnt put off all the little birds, we still get loads of sparrows and chaffinches (as well as my faves the blackbirds) comming down in droves to feed.

[Garden Manager]

[Paulines7]

There were upwards of 200 pigeons feeding in the field immediately behind my back garden about two weeks ago.  They were stripping the field bare.   :(   

A man I know in the village rang to ask if he could walk along our paddock with the farmer to shoot the pigeons.  I was in a quandry as I don't like the idea of birds being shot yet realised something had to be done.  He said they were not shooting for sport, many of them would be used for the pot and the rest would fly away and probably not come back for a long time.  Having aired my doubts, he said that they would not come onto my land but would walk along the field belonging to the farmer. 

The next day I heard a few bangs.  The pigeons disappeared and haven't been back since.  Is it possible that they may have flown south into the neighbouring County of Dorset?   :-\

[Robert_Brenchley]

Pigeons are nothing but a menace, I hate them. What we need is goshawks and peregrines.

[Paulines7]

And buzzards.

[redimp]

Do Magpies steal from Pigeon nests.  If not, perhaps someone ought to tell them to.  It would do wonders for their image.

[jennym]

...I have now given them a new nickname. 'Hoovers' (as in the vacuum cleaners), since they 'hoover' up all the food!!...

There's a pigeon that comes regularly at this time of year to our garden, his nickname is Dinner...but he's so tame, and I'm fortunately not that hungry!

[Garden Manager]

Even if i had the means I could not bring myself to harm any bird not even a pigeon.

Ok so they are pigs (well mine are at least) in taking food meant for other birds, but to me its all part of nature's rich tapestry, and i wouldnt want to interfere with that.

The only trouble with birds of prey is that they are just as likely to hunt the birds you do want (like blackbirds) as those you dont (the pigeons)!

[Mrs Ava]

We have collard doves in our neighbourhood and I really don't mind.  The pigeons that are pests on the plot though...different story!