We've got lots of wood pigeons too but I do like them. They are the only UK bird who can drink with their beak in the water using it like a straw rather than having to tip their heads back and they feed their young on crop milk. Although their nests can look like an untidy bundle of twigs it actually takes up to two weeks to construct - each stick woven in carefully - the male brings all of the sticks to the female who sits there waiting to inspect each one and, if she doesn't like it, she throws it away and turns her back on him. I'm sure if she had arms she'd fold them!! They incubate the eggs for two weeks and then feed the nestlings for four weeks before, one day, just not coming back. Cue two really puzzled chicks who, eventually, clamber out of the nest and fly off. They are big and ungainly looking though - although the feathers weigh more than the actual bird.
The collared doves are more of a nuisance to be honest. Eighteen at the minute all on the feeders or waiting in the tree. Really aggressive to the other birds too. It's make me laugh when they take off though sounding like they need oiling with that squeaky sound their wings make.
Taz x
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Topic: Wild Birds and all things to do with Nature (Read 1145422 times)