Predator in the sky

Charis posted this video in the Pigeon Safety forum.

I'd like to post it here, in the predator discussion forum, as well.

The speed alone, that these birds are capable of is incredible.

Realizing each species had it's own means of survival, I hope my pigeon prayer holds true.

Cindy

The Peregrines are about the only predator of the wild Rock Doves who live on Scottish islands. I heard from a local resident, pretty much of a bird expert there, that they miss far more than they ever catch - but of course, the pigeons have co-existed with them forever really, and are very aware of how to outwit the falcon.

I saw one descend from great height, dip down the other side of the hill from me, then pull out and come up empty-handed. Foiled again!

John

Your post made me feel better, John.
Like I said, I realize every species must eat to sustain life, but I still feel bad when any species overpowers another in order to survive.

That video was absolutely amazing for me to watch, with regard to their performance. :WHAT?:

Cindy

Survival of the smartest...

In this video, a pigeon pulls out an amazing stunt to fool the pursuing peregrine falcon.
Then, when they're both flying horizontally, their speed is roughly the same, and the pigeon's capacity for sustaining high speed for long periods of time wins the day.

That was an incredible video, Teresa. Many thanks for sharing it with us.

Quite an impressive maneuver on the pigeon's part.
They definitely have the advantage being able to maintain their speed for a longer period of time than the falcon.

1. Dont let your pigeons out on cloudy days Idc what your excuse is. hawks love to rest by pigeon lairs on cloudy days give them advantage to when pigeons retreat back home with no sun to expose there direction they loose long distances of knowledge must remain around home areas. keep them in the coop)

2. Hawks will thrive over pigeon coops. If your pigeon coop has been detected by a smart hawk. They will sleep near it. Idk what to do about this problem except if you have pigeons who know of hawks , Make sure they are well respected as they could be the only ones keeping your pigeons alive outside.

3. Hawks are terrible for pigeon owners. I will watch the sky. I will talk to my birds Hand clapping is the best method to get pigeons to circle your coop. If your pigeons fly outside and don't circle the coop. go off far away. they are leading hawks to your area. make sure to train your pigeons to fly around the coop stop getting there noses in trouble

4. Scaring hawks is the easiest trick in the book....Ill write a book if there isn't a book that says this. But loud noises will scare the hawk, your pigeon if its cool still. Will fly back to the coop. and hawk will be like Damn Human's. Seriously I've scared a hawk at least 20 times rescuing my pigeons by simply making a loud noise. (clap, sticks colliding into objects. Whatever go savage on that hawk just don't shoot it. and like I said with tip #3 Clap your hands train your birds to fly around the coop. Each clap will indicate a "round a bout" i call it a "round a bout" because when i clap my pigeons always did a circle. so i would watch as they would fly straight. I clap and they would turn....same goes. they get use to it. so well that if you clap they will turn on command. It avoids them leaving the coop. trust me just experiment.

5. Hawks are dangerous be careful. Don't underestimate if there hawks in the area. always scope out areas first before releasing your pigeons.

Teresa wrote:

Survival of the smartest...

In this video, a pigeon pulls out an amazing stunt to fool the pursuing peregrine falcon.
Then, when they're both flying horizontally, their speed is roughly the same, and the pigeon's capacity for sustaining high speed for long periods of time wins the day.

That's very good advice!
I found the clapping to get the pigeons to change direction very interesting -- and very useful to steer them away from danger!

Thankfully, there aren't any birds of prey here, but I like reading and being aware of any advice that may be useful to other members.

Teresa wrote:

That's very good advice!

Yes that was the main lesson I wanted to share lol. Clapping to change direction, and as well clapping if a pigeon is turning a lot what happens? They are slower on rising, so they will remain lower so if so chance a hawk or eagle whatever , does appear the pigeons will be low enough to fly inside the coop before anything can happen