WOOD PIGEONS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19531, 14 July 1925, Page 4

WOOD PIGEONS.

TO THE EDITOR. San, —Let mo add one more note of warning against the introduction of the wood pigeon into this dominion. When learning farming in Kincardineshire, Scotland, I had many and various duties to perform. One of theso duties, which was looked upon by my instructor as being of considerable importance, was the keeping of wood pigeons from the crops. In the spring, and again in the autumn, these birds did very considerable damage when not carefully watched. The wood pigeon, called in the north of Scotland the “ousbio doo,” is a very timid bird, but, despite this, it is a porsitent forager and a most rapacious feeder. Wood pigeons are very early on the wing, leaving the woods for the fields at the first streak of daylight. The early morning, when few humans are stirring, is their chief feeding time. For weeks on end it was my duty to bo seated with my gun in suitable shelter by 2.30 a.m. with decoys set out. I learned to imitate “to the life” their peculiar call, and thereby often soothed their timid breasts sufficiently to enable me to put some lead into them. Decoys were absolutely necessary otherwise the pigeons (like wild geese) invariably landed in the middle of the field well out of range. The “cushie doo” is an ideal sporting bird, very quick on the wing. Although a straight flier, it has the ability to swerve with lightning speed on sighting the slightest object for suspicion, A particularly keen eye assist,? it in keeping out of danger. Not only are wood pigeons hard to hit, but they are hard to kill, even when hit, particularly when coming head on. , I have always been keen on sport., but T have too many farmer friends in New' Zealand to advocate the introduction into this country of o.no of the worst e.nemies Hie, farmer could possibly have liberated on his lands. —I am, etc., H. A. S. July 11.