It’s time we learned to love our common garden visitor
BRITISH GARDEN BIRDS ARE SOME OF the most intensively studied in the world, with huge amounts of data from surveys such as the BTO’s long-running Garden BirdWatch. Records from that project show woodpigeons are consistently among the top four species in gardens during winter, quite a change from decades ago. This is down to how much food there is for them now, as a result of intensive arable farming and garden bird feeding. They’ll gladly feast on wheat, barley and cabbages, as well as seeds.
While many people dislike seeing woodpigeons waddling across lawns or patios or perched clumsily on bird feeders, hoovering up seed intended for ‘prettier’ species, they fail to acknowledge their part in the pigeons’ stellar success. Sadly, the super abundance of woodpigeons leaves us indifferent to their charms, in particular their wonderful five-note coo, so soft and mellow, yet throaty and rich. Surely, one of our very best bird sounds?