Kitchen Garden Forum

Hi all,

About 10 feet from the bungalow we've got a rose covered pergola ( if that's the right word ). About 2 weeks ago a pair of collared doves decided to build a nest right on the top. Mrs. dove has been sitting tight for the last week on her very flimsy nest with almost no cover at all. All was well until this morning. I got back from walking the dog at about 7 am, and all I could see was loads of feathers everywhere, but no dove. I think the sparrowhawk has been visiting again!!
Within an hour all the feathers had been taken by the local sparrow and starling population for nesting material. Nature's very cruel sometimes isn't it

I don't know why but Sparrowhawks seem particularly partial to collared doves. They regularly seem to go for them around here. The last time it happened the sparrhawk actually pinned one down on our patio and I was able to rush out and Sparrowhawk flew off, leaving the bird looking dead. However, I put it in a safe place for an hour and it recovered and flew off.

Hi Primrose,

Sounds like that one had a lucky escape!! If they regularly nest in such conspicuous places, it's no wonder that the sparrowhawks like them. Apparently they are partial to young starlings as well.

Cheers, PJ