Another Foolish Pigeon

April 21, 2009: What bird in his right mind would linger outside a Peregrine Falcon nest box? Watch what happens when Pa discovers him. A similar thing happened at the Columbia, Ohio, nest box. I made a video called "Foolish Pigeon."

Eggs should start hatching today or tomorrow!

Watch the live stream at http://www.beleefdelente.nl/. Click on Slechtvalk.

Category:

Pets & Animals

Tags:

• Sunset
• De
• Mortel
• Peregrine
• falcon
• Netherlands
• Nederland
• slechtvalk
• wildlife
• nature
• faucon
• pèlerin
• raptor
• bird
• pájaro
• slechtvalken
• hatch
• egg
• chick
• Halcón
• peregrino

[Automeris]

The pigeon was likely scouting the site and the box for a possible nest site of its own. The falcon sees an intruder, and will protect its nest. In this case, the intruder doubled as prey.

[MyWildlifeVideos]

Yes, you are right! I'm surprised that S2 didn't fly out and grab him. However, she was incubating her eggs (the first one hatched on April 24). Since her arrival at this nest box in 2007, she has been a superb hunter, catching many pigeons. Now that she will be busy with her babies, her mate will do most of the hunting. He, too, is a fine hunter and never fails to put food on the table. Both have taught their offspring how to successfully hunt.

[Automeris]

If you really watch falconry, tiercels are never as popular as the females, even though the males may be more colorful. It is just the nature of the female in any species--mammal or bird--to be the superior huntress.

I love falcons and am so glad to see the comeback of the Peregrines as well as other species. The old birds with he DDT in their system, are long gone. Enter new, stronger generations, perhaps even somewhat resistant to insecticides by virtue of inoculation, like many insects.

[MyWildlifeVideos]

Well said, thank you

[MyWildlifeVideos]

Mr. Pigeon, you are in the wrong place at the wrong time--

[7mikethebike]

pigeon not foolish, he was alert, and he used the terrain to effect his escape.

Did it ever occur to anyone that there may be more going on in a scene like this than meets the eye? That pigeon may be scouting, familiarizing itself with his habitat- which means, now, he knows where the falcons come from and go to- which is useful information for a pigeon living in the falcon's territory. He will now be able to avoid danger more effectively .Any wild animal behavior has  practical use.

[aiwayamaha]

lol good video. And what a great place to have a peregrine hut. it's so high, perfect spot

[Gman6755]

suicide by falcon! 

[anmoose]

LOL! Not a terribly bright place for a pigeon to be hanging out. i would think there'd be a risk of becoming dinner...

[wildlifeworrior26]

hahaha!! loved it!