Hello The Band-tailed Pigeon has been seen by at least three visitors on Christmas Day, 2003 in London, ON. When I went over to replenish the feeders, the bird was on the feeders and searching for seed on the ground. After observing for a few minutes to determine that it was not having much success foraging through the snow, I decided to interrupt and replenish the stock of sunflower seeds. The bird was not that skittish today and allowed me to approach within 10 meters before casually flying up to a perch in a nearby pine tree. Within seconds, the neigbourhood juvenile, female Sharp-shinned hawk came over to persuade the pigeon that these feeders were its buffet table. It was not a concerted attack nor did it chase. The pigeon flew off strongly to the north. The Sharpie flew off empty-taloned.
The appearance of the band-tailed pigeon has improved since it was released. The breast which lost so many feathers is looking more normal today. Its flight was good as well. I expect it will return between 3 and 5pm today but today's interaction with the Sharpie may make it more cautious. Hugh Casbourn London, ON Directions to access the area... If from Toronto...come west on 401, and take the 402 towards Sarnia, exiting very soon at the Wonderland exit (100) to London, and head north. About 3-4km north on Wonderland is the Westmount Mall, a large sprawling mall on the west side of the road. Keep going north just past the mall to a streetlight indicating Village Green Avenue (one light before Commissioners Road). Turn left, to the west and proceed for about 5 streets, some from left, some from right, till you get to Lynngate PLACE (Pl). There is also a Lynngate Ct but don't go up there. Do not park on this quiet street. Park on the north(right) side of Village Green. Walk up Lynngate Place to number 120. Go to the RIGHT side of the house, and walk up the driveway of the nextdoor neighbour's house, #116, along the stone path to the large patio, at the back of that house. Try to shield yourself behind the tarp "blind" and the bird will be less skittish. PLEASE STAY OUT OF YARDS. Coming from west, come east on 401 to Highway 4, and head north to the 402, then east to Wonderland exit (100), turning north . About 3-4km north on Wonderland is the Westmount Mall, a large sprawling mall. Keep going north just past the mall to a streetlight indicating Village Green Avenue(one light before Commissioners road). Turn left, to the west and proceed for about 5 streets, some from left, some from right, till you get to Lynngate PLACE (Pl). There is also a Lynngate Ct but don't go up there. Do not park on this quiet street. Park on the north(right) side of Village Green. Walk up Lynngate Place to number 120. Go to the RIGHT side of the house, and walk up the driveway of the nextdoor neighbour's house, #116, along the stone path to the large patio, at the back of that house. Try to shield yourself behind the tarp "blind" and the bird will be less skittish. PLEASE STAY OUT OF YARDS. >From London, Village Green is one light south of intersection of Commissioners and Wonderland. Turn left, to the west and proceed for about 5 streets, some from left, some from right, till you get to Lynngate PLACE (Pl). There is also a Lynngate Ct but don't go up there. Do not park on this quiet street. Park on the north(right) side of Village Green. Walk up Lynngate Place to number 120. Go to the RIGHT side of the house, and walk up the driveway of the nextdoor neighbour's house, along the stone path to the large patio, at the back of that house. Try to shield yourself behind the tarp "blind" and the bird will be less skittish. PLEASE STAY OUT OF YARDS Hugh Casbourn <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Visit http://www.ofo.ca/ontbirdsguide.htm for information on leaving and joining the list. As well as general information and content guidelines.
