{"id":544,"date":"2016-07-02T09:38:17","date_gmt":"2016-07-02T11:38:17","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/gardenadvice.co.uk\/blog\/?p=544"},"modified":"2016-07-02T09:38:17","modified_gmt":"2016-07-02T11:38:17","slug":"a-divisive-guest-in-the-garden","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gardenadvice.co.uk\/newsandarticles\/a-divisive-guest-in-the-garden\/","title":{"rendered":"A Divisive Guest In The Garden – Wood Pigeons."},"content":{"rendered":"

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\nNumbers of Woodpigeons in gardens are soaring, the year-round British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) Garden BirdWatch survey* reveals. With their stout physique and large appetites, Woodpigeons are a species that cannot be missed, whether they appeal or not. <\/span><\/span>
\nThe handsome, portly Woodpigeon is not always a welcome guest but it\u2019s continuing to increase its presence in gardens, and August is a great time to spot one. They are quirky, interesting birds. For example, while most species have to tilt their heads back to swallow when drinking, Woodpigeons can suck water through their beak like a straw. During late summer, the Woodpigeon population swells as young fledge the nest, and both juveniles and adults turn to gardens for handouts. A single Woodpigeon can eat the same amount of food as seven sparrows, and some householders find their penchant for expensive bird food \u2013 usually provided with the intent of sustaining smaller species \u2013 difficult to swallow.<\/span>
\nWoodpigeons on the march<\/strong><\/em><\/span>
\nThe increase in numbers of Woodpigeons in gardens over recent years has been remarkable, and reflects a broader population boom for this species across all habitats. In August 1995, the year in which BTO Garden BirdWatch was set up, 48% of the survey\u2019s participants were visited by a Woodpigeon during a typical week. By August 2011, this figure had rocketed to 83%. Gardens do not appear to be driving their recent success: instead, agricultural change, notably increased production of oil seed rape, has improved survival prospects over winter and given their population a boost.<\/span><\/span>
\nFeeding habits<\/strong><\/em><\/span>
\nWoodpigeons have quite a broad diet but are particularly partial to seeds. Despite their large frames, they can be surprisingly dextrous, sometimes balancing on hanging feeders with their wings outstretched. Instead of attracting Woodpigeons, many householders might want to deter them and feeder sanctuaries are effective in achieving this. These are metal cages with holes of a sufficient diameter to restrict access, only allowing small birds to access the tasty morsels within. <\/span><\/span>
\nTop feeding suggestions<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n