Wednesday, December 19, 2012
Pigeon Wars!
It's war out there Down on the Allotment! my precious little broccoli
seedings are being marmalized by gangs of delinquent hoodie pigeons!
I planted these
'Rudolph' early purple sprouting broccoli seeds in the Summer and I have
nursed them through the Summer attack of slugs, snails and
caterpillars. I do not intend to lose them now to a gang of cowardly
pigeons.
Don't get me wrong, I am not pigeon prejudiced, some of
them are amazing creatures. Take 'Scotch Lass' for instance. in 1945 she
was awarded the Dickin Medal for gallantry whilst serving in World War
2. Her citation read, "For bringing 38 micro photographs across the
North Sea in good time although injured" that is my idea of a brave
pigeon.
Or there is the sporty pigeon (who took a short break on my
allotment earlier this year) who trains hard to achieve a peak of
physical fitness in a display of awesome navigational skills and
sporting prowess.
Then there is the nasty, fat wood pigeon that lurks
around and steals from my allotment. Despite hanging CDs, tin foil,
cotton thread and owning a hunter-killer yellow Labrador.. I'm just not
winning the battle. They just fly away up into a nearby tree and laugh at me, only returning
to have another munch as soon as my back is turned.
I just may have to give up and wish them a very
Merry Christmas.. wrapped in pastry and served with bread sauce, gravy..
oh yes.. and fresh broccoli! Merry Christmas Mr Pigeon.
Have you considered using nets? It is also said that a plastic model of bird of prey, suspended on a string from a tall pole, may deter pigeons.
ReplyDeleteFailing that, byt a shotgun...
I know how you feel, I had some heads left on my summer ones that I was hoping to get bigger before the frosts, but alas, the pigeons got them. The only thing I can say is nets, nets, nets and don't take them off.
ReplyDeleteSo many pests in the garden. Pigeons, like most pests, will come back again and again until the plant is gone I suppose.
ReplyDeleteA pvc frame and some netting should do the trick to keep those varmits at bay.
ReplyDeleteBirds are lovely, but they can be a pain, we fight our battles with Woodpeckers, Crows and Herons. The birds always win...too smart for us!
ReplyDeleteLove the pictures of your trip. A sunny locale in December, OH Yeah!
Wyatt's Mom
Tell me about it!
ReplyDeleteI had two beautiful big kales in my garden but they unfortunately fell victim to hungry hares. I didn't even have the chance to try it. I know it was hares who ate my kales because they left some droppings at the scene ;) I hope that at least hares were happy.
Greetings from Poland!