pob Posted October 31, 2007 Report Share Posted October 31, 2007 Much as the title says........ I have been very busy studying lately, so I have not been out decoying for 6 weeks or so. Last time out I reckon 25% of my kill were young and stupid Woodpigeon, with no neck bars. In the last couple of weeks I have been surprised to still see birds without white neck bars around and about. I know the mild weather meant that pigeons laid another batch very late in the season, but I would be surprised if they had fledged successfully. Is it possible that birds in my area have raised 4 broods this year? Where I live is very urban. I've heard that Bill Oddie comes on here. He's a big shooting fan isn't he? I bet he'll know. If not, can anyone else educate me? BTW I know what a Stock Dove looks like. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
henry d Posted November 1, 2007 Report Share Posted November 1, 2007 I don`t know how long they take to get a full white neck bar but I`ve shot them in late November without the bar and earlier this week a friend was on a chainsaw course and they cut down a tree but didn`t see the pigeon nest in it and it had small squabs in. I doubt it would take more than 3-4 weeks from fledging to get it`s full feathering. Anyway they are the tastiest IMHO. I really do hope Bill Oddie comes on here, perhaps he`ll get enlightened by the Bill Oddie fan club , which seems to number in the thousands. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pob Posted November 1, 2007 Author Report Share Posted November 1, 2007 Thanks Henry. Interesting to hear about the nest. That kind of confirms what I suspected. People are reporting lots of birds about; I guess they've had a very good breeding season. I'm sure the acorns dropped slightly early this year, so fingers crossed for some good shooting ahead. Last year they were on the acorns and beech mast for way too long............er which was excellent news from a crop protection perspective obviously; which is the only reason I am in the game, after all. It would be nice to see Mr Oddie get a special PW welcome wouldn't it? I'd wager there would be a few *************s involved. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
invector Posted November 1, 2007 Report Share Posted November 1, 2007 I think I read somewhere that young woodies get their white neck markings at around 16 weeks? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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