COOL PIGEON

Being arable farmers, we are constantly bedevilled in winter and spring by the invasion of hundreds of pigeon on our rape crop. From my bedroom window I have a grandstand view of one particular field. Whenever I notice pigeon feeding I open the window, clap my hands and shout, which has the desired effect. But the pigeon in my garden take no notice, even if they are within a few feet. I have come to the conclusion that, over the years, those birds that always nest in the garden have become used to human voices and noises and take no notice of them. Could they have become a subspecies by natural selection?

Michael Colston

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