Pigeons and doves
Crested pigeon
I went for a walk of The Estate this afternoon.
When I say “The Estate”, please understand that we only own a 5 acre (2 hectare) block.
As I passed along the neighbour’s fence, I glanced over into the area in front of their house. On the grass I saw six birds feeding on the grass: 2 Crested pigeons, 2 Spotted Turtledoves and 2 Peaceful doves, all within about 2 or 3 metres of each other.
This is the first time I’ve seen all 3 species feeding in such close proximity to each other.
Note: I didn’t have my camera with me, so the photos shown today were taken on another occasion.
Spotted Turtledove
Peaceful Dove
Pigeons by the dozens (almost)
Crested Pigeon, Mildura
I had a doctor’s appointment this morning. Nothing major; just a check up.
As I was driving out of the driveway I noticed that one of the bushes in our garden had suddenly “sprouted” some extra colour. (Confession: the bush is actually dead – I just haven’t got around to removing it yet, or replacing it with something living.)
Eleven crested pigeons were sitting there all fluffed up against the chilly morning and enjoying the early morning sunshine. It wasn’t a very big bush, so it looked really great.
Crested Pigeons are very common in our area. I frequently see loose flocks of a dozen or more – sometimes as many as 30 or 40 – perched on power lines or fences. Once I even counted about 60 all in close proximity to one another. It was quite a sight.
Crested Pigeon, Laratinga Wetlands, Mt Barker, South Australia
A Panic of Pigeons
Winter has hit with a vengeance here in Murray Bridge South Australia. Last week we had a series of severe frosts. Normally I wouldn’t mind; I’d just snuggle into my nice warm bed for a little longer. I didn’t have that luxury last week as I needed to be up well before dawn for work. I temporarily went back to full time work as a relief driver for a friend who runs a courier business; he needed a holiday.
On my rounds around the town delivering parcels I am able to observe various birds as I drive, mainly on the power lines along the streets. Last week I noted quite a few Crested Pigeons sitting in rows on the power lines. Sometimes these loose groups of pigeons numbered twenty or more.
Now this week the frosts have given way to bitterly cold winds from the south with occasional scudding showers. We need another good soaking rain again like we had a few weeks ago, not just a few showers. A few days ago I was out getting in some more firewood to keep us warm while I write. A sudden noise attracted my attention; about forty Crested Pigeons were flying at great speed just overhead.
They seemed to be in panic mode.
I’m not surprised; a few seconds later a Little Eagle lazily glided overhead.
For more articles about pigeons check out my archives here.
A Plethora of Pigeons
2 Comments »14th June, 2006; Category: Pigeons and Doves
I was driving past the local flour mill today. Trucks loaded with various grains come from all over the district to unload here, each probably spilling a little grain on the road and the parking bay out the front. As I drove past I was aware of hundreds of Rock Dove (Feral Pigeons) strutting around in a feeding frenzy. Their companions were about a dozen Crested Pigeons, also taking advantage of the bounty. A short distance away about a hundred House Sparrows were also gorging themselves.
This type of scene must be typical of so many similar locations throughout the world. Certain species seem to be able to take advantage of mankind’s excesses, spills and wastage, thriving on our leftovers.
Peaceful Doves in my garden
One bird species that I love seeing and hearing in my garden here in Murray Bridge, South Australia, is the Peaceful Dove as shown in today’s photos. I live on the western edge of the rural city of Murray Bridge on a five-acre (two-hectare) block of land.
As well as a large variety of Australian native plants and trees, I have a small orchard and some remnant mallee scrub. My property adjoins several other mallee scrub areas, including Kinchina Conservation Park about a kilometre to the west.
Because there is so much native vegetation remaining in this area, the bird life can be prolific. I have lived here for over 35 years and have kept monthly lists of birds observed over that period, except for a few periods when I was away. This includes many holidays interstate and several trips overseas.
Doves and Pigeons
The most common species in this family of birds is the Crested Pigeon. They are a resident breeding species, meaning that they are seen every day and have been recorded breeding on my land.
For many years I have recorded Spotted Turtledoves (Spotted Doves) almost every day as well, but in the last few years, I have only seen this species here occasionally. The same applies the Rock Doves (Feral Pigeons) which are now only recorded occasionally. One other species, the Common Bronzewing, has only been sighted here on a handful of occasions.
In the first 20 years living here I only occasionally sighted Peaceful Doves. Then an individual would sometimes move down the hills to the west and visit my garden for an hour or two. On checking my database of records, I started seeing them regularly from late 2009. Over the next decade, they have become resident and I hear and see one or more every day.
At first I only saw one of two until more recently when I have recorded up to six in close proximity to each other. Only a few days ago I looked out the window to see four of them sunning themselves all within a square metre. It has become one of my favourite birds and I feel so privileged to see and hear them regularly here at home.
