Stormy weather and pigeons

It's the stormy season again, and today there have been winds gusting between 70 - 80 along the south coast. I face west, and get the wind right off the sea from SW direction, and that's hard on the birds hanging out across the street. They hate flying over in these conditions, as they have little control if a strong gust catches them when they approach the balcony. It's difficult to cling to the railing, and some don't manage to get a grip at all.

If I open the door, they don't know if it's good (food to be put out) or bad (giant coming out), so a couple that did brave the winds flew off again. I did leave a deep dish outside, though, just in case - which is fine provided we don't get more lashing rain.

Normally, I'd have the door open on a chain attached to a well fixed hook, enough that the pigeons can come in and eat from strategically placed dishes. Capuccino usually spots the invitation

One time last November, though, the storm ripped the hook right out of the door and darn near broke the glass panel when the door slammed against the nearside balcony wall. So today, I'm just hoping the wind drops some before nightfall!

Yeah, strong wind is giving them problems. They manage to brave it, but prefer safe shelter. We had storm yesterday and wind was bad. Branches were crushing to the ground from the old willow tree and I decided to feed ferals inside the loft. At one stage there were so many of them that I was afraid to move as there were a serious risk that I’ll step on tail, wing or beak. Finally when finished, they all left except one. A small hen that went in one corner, squat there and fell a sleep.
I just left her overnight and this morning after I examined her for canker, cocci and parasites, she went out. This afternoon she was back in the loft. After feeding, she left again. My problem was to stop the rest of the ferals coming in again. Some of them managed to squeeze in though.

One of them was my favourite Stan

And what a lovely bird Stan is

When my small crew of ferals come off the balcony, to get their food just inside, I daren't move as some of them may panic (though not the 'old stagers'). I often just go off into the kitchen for a while and let 'em get on with it undisturbed. They are pretty well behaved and, apart from Capuccino, just come in, gobble down the big stuff, then leave. Capuccino likes to take his time - usually first in and last out - looks round at me when I call him then carries on eating

Right now, my roosting residents are tucking into a big dish of top class pigeon mix just outside the door.

I hope the pijjies stay safe, John.

Quote :

I daren't move as some of them may panic (though not the 'old stagers').

I know, I was doing the same, leaving seeds and hiding in the house not to disturb them. After some time they’ve got so used to me that now they follow me around the garden and the moment the loft door opens they wait for food.
Even Senegal doves stopped panicking around me, still not coming to close though.

Just give them a chance and they will pronounce you for some kind of strange pigeon and accept you as part of the flock.

So John...did the wind calm down?

Matilda wrote:

So John...did the wind calm down?

Yep, the wind speed generally was down to 30 and gusts fewer by dark, and I heard the usual pigeon sounds from outside.

Normal sea breeze now, food dishes empty. More rough stuff to come, though, as usual for this time of year.