Birds in flight – Pigeons

Who needs feet when you have wings to fly’ – Frida Kahlo Despite a rather hazy start and less than promising forecast today turned out to be quite an unexpectedly glorious day! I spent the morning on my local patch but with little activity at ground level I turned my attention skywards, using the opportunity…

The chase

Despite a drizzly morning and a thorough soaking, nothing could dampen this male pigeon’s spirits today. He and his mate provided me with great entertainment as he pursued her in circles like a hyperactive wind up toy. Whilst he clearly had just one thing on his mind, his mate was less than enamoured and gave…

Capturing the light

Pigeons aren’t everyone’s cup of tea, but I am not ashamed to say that they are one of my favourite birds. By getting to know these birds I have developed a new found understanding and appreciation for these urban inhabitants. My little wild flock here in Aberystwyth have brought me many hours of joy and entertainment…

The importance of wildflowers: Part 2

You may have seen my previous post about the importance of wildflowers, continuing that theme today I am looking at another small but vital habitat close to home. Just above the high tide line of the harbour is a small patch of rough ground, usually strewn with small rowing boats used by seafarers to reach…

The importance of wildflowers

Stepping just outside my back door is a small wildflower verge, a strip of long grass and a tangle of wildflowers, underappreciated by the regular traffic of dogwalkers. This area is however a small but vital habitat for many species of plants and animals and should be valued and protected. Plantains and grasses growing wild…

Splish splash

We are experiencing a rare treat in the UK at the moment… a bank holiday weekend with gorgeous weather as opposed to the usually dreary drizzle! Here a feral pigeon is beating the heat by bathing in the shallow water at the harbour edge. This individual is a youngster as it has yet to grow…

Love is in the air

Although capable of breeding year round (provided they can find enough food) the harbour pigeons have waited for the welcome return of warmer weather before beginning their breeding efforts. Now this spring is well underway, the quiet morning air is regularly filled with the sounds of the male pigeons soft cooing calls as they strut…

Pigeon Appreciation

Today is Pigeon Appreciation Day and what better time to post about my own love and admiration for these often misunderstood creatures. Love them or hate them, pigeons are here to stay. These highly intelligent adaptable birds have seen a population explosion in our towns and cities, thanks to an abundance of food, relative safety…

Love birds

Rather surprisingly, Pigeons are one of the few species of birds who are truly monogamous, often forming lifelong pairs. Unlike most wild birds they are also capable of reproducing all year round, provided conditions are favourable and their is enough food for the adults and chicks. With the sun shining I have been spending a…

In a summer daze

The humble pigeon is far more intelligent than we might give them credit for. Scientific studies have proved that they have a unique ability to recognise human faces, this combined with a superior long term memory enables them to recognise individual people and subsequently, who is friend or foe. This intelligence is can be demonstrated…

Shall we dance?

With full bellies and the sun warm on their backs the pigeon flock were feeling in a flirtatious mood today, with the males keen to strut their stuff and impress a mate. During courtship the male birds puff out their neck feathers to look as big and impressive as possible and emphasize the iridescence green…

Have you ever seen a baby pigeon?

Have you ever seen a baby pigeon? Highly unlikely, in fact very few people have. But why is this? The reason may be found in the pigeons’ breeding habits. Like their rock dove ancestors they nest in cavities, natural cliff ledges replaced by holes and cavities in our urban buildings. Nesting high in inaccessible locations…