Articles > Why Don't the Predators Chase the Wild Pigeons?

Why Don't the Predators Chase the Wild Pigeons?

There is a large population of bandtailed pigeons in this area. They are a lot like the European wood pigeon in appearance. I am an avid bird-watcher but I cannot recall seeing a predator in pursuit of one of the bandtails. They are very wary and spend most of their time in the tops of the trees. Perhaps this is their defence. Also they do not fly around in sustained flight like our racers. They do visit the feeding stations and love black oil sunflower seeds, often they will pull down a feeder when several of them try to eat from it. Frequently they land on the lofts and are sometimes a nuisance on race days. The slightest movement from me will send them flying off in all directions and this has happened more than once when racers have been approaching. Occasionally one or two of them will join the exercising racers but they don't stay with the flock for very long. In the meantime, I will continue to observe and report.

Email me at laurholb@telus.net.