16 June 2024
Rock pigeons nest on cliffs within the wild, or on top constructions and bridges in feral settings. They’ll even nest inside of chimneys if the chimney has a ledge. Years in the past I had no concept this was once conceivable till I heard cooing in the lounge and in the end took time to research.
We used to possess a area inbuilt 1907 with two brick chimneys. When we changed the furnace, the primary chimney went totally unused. There was once no exhaust from the furnace and no smoke from a hearth so I disregarded chimney upkeep. I didn’t notice that my negligence left the chimney open to new tenants.
Gosh, I used to be naive. A brick fell down the chimney but it surely simplest took place as soon as and I procrastinated till I forgot about it. (The lacking brick almost certainly created a ledge.) One spring I heard starling voices coming down the chimney, however I heard them simplest two times and I forgot about it. Then twelve months I heard cooing within the chimney. It took place incessantly sufficient that I may just no longer forget about it. I went out of doors to take a look at the chimney. What was once occurring?
As I watched from the road, a pigeon landed at the chimney and disappeared. Hmmm! When it reappeared the pigeon flew to a couple brush, picked up a spray, flew again to the chimney and disappeared. The chimney had no cap. He was once construction a nest!
Rock pigeon nests are very naked bones, most commonly substrate with a couple of twigs and dried grasses. The male gathers subject material whilst she remains on the nest and coos when he brings new bits and items. I used to be listening to them construct the nest.
I temporarily employed a critter keep watch over corporate who got rid of the pigeon nest and capped the chimney. The cap was once a easy cord mesh like this one. Drawback solved! (This isn’t a photograph of my previous area however the cap is the same.)
So now you realize. While you listen pigeons cooing within the chimney they’re putting in place home tasks. It’s by no means secure to think they aren’t nesting. Rock pigeons breed throughout the year if there’s good enough meals available.
p.s. Have you ever ever observed a child pigeon? They don’t appear to be their folks.
