Wood Pigeon in the wars

[Pops]

SERIOUS WARNING ....
If you are squeamish do not scroll down to the 2nd photograph






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You have been warned

While the bird itself did not appear to be distressed in any way I don't mind admitting that it made me cringe a bit. He was on the water pedestal and I was amazed to see that each time he took a drink the water actually leaked from the bottom of the wound. If you look closely you can see a droplet still visible.
Like I said...he showed no sign of distress and flew back into the tree quite normally after finishing his drink. I shall be looking out for him over the next few days to monitor his progress.


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[Pol]

Re: Wood Pigeon in the wars

Poor fella. I dare bet he did that by accidentally bashing himself hitting a window or glass door.

Maybe you recall the time we nursed a Woodie for 4 weeks after it had banged into one of our upstairs windows? The wound was near enough identical to the one in your picture - ruptured crop. Acorns, seeds and other food was visible, same as with yours.

When it happened the bird was unfortunate enough to be grabbed by the neighbour's cat which suddenly appeared from nowhere. Luckily we saw it all happen, David rescued the bird and left it resting safely under the greenhouse staging. We left food and water for it, expected it to die overnight but it survived and kept taking food and water for itself. It rested quietly for a few days - stayed in the greenhouse (it was November) and after a while it started coming to the door each morning to watch for David and the peanuts.

It finally came out through the door, perched on David's arm briefly then flew away up into an oak tree further along - still with an open, though repairing wound.

We didn't see it again for quite a while - then it eventually reappeared - easily identified by the healed scar. The feather had a sort of 'line' where the wound had been. That was back in 2003 iirc.

We still get Woodies visiting. They like berries from the Bird Cherry trees. Some of them also have feather 'alignment' of what looks like it might be a healed scar so I guess it's a not infrequent injury and that many of them recover and do ok.

I hope yours recovers ok too - then keeps coming to visit, bringing his family and friends with him.

We've used sentinels on the upstairs window ever since and haven't had any more pigeons crash into the window. Fingers crossed it won't happen again either!

Pol

[Pops]

Re: Wood Pigeon in the wars

I remember that you writing about that incident Pol.
Mine seems to be OK. he is still flying about so that's got to be a good sign.
As and when i see him again I'll keep you updated

[Pol]

Re: Wood Pigeon in the wars

I remember that you writing about that incident Pol.
Mine seems to be OK. he is still flying about so that's got to be a good sign.
As and when i see him again I'll keep you updated

Aye - I'd be interested to hear how he's progressing.

The one we had here had been badly shocked and stunned - then further shocked when the wretched cat had grabbed it. David had to prise it from the cat's mouth. It was in a very sad and messy state for a few days but they're quite relaxed birds so it all came right in the end.

Pol

[Jocelyn Walker]

Re: Wood Pigeon in the wars

A lot of pigeons & doves unfortunately fly into windows as the sky & clouds are reflected there & birds seem to be unable to differentiate! Many break their necks & die instantly. Those buildings made of huge expanses of glass in cities must be deathtraps for the poor things!

[Pops]

Re: Wood Pigeon in the wars

Well he has survived.
I didn't see him for a couple of days and feared the worse but.....he came visiting today and the wound is definately on the mend.

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[Pol]

Re: Wood Pigeon in the wars

Well he has survived.
I didn't see him for a couple of days and feared the worse but.....he came visiting today and the wound is definately on the mend.

Yep - he's doing very well. It seems to be closing quite rapidly.

Thanks for the update.

Pol