From Alistair….
I was surprised just how windy it was when I arrived at Tulchan this morning. The Beeches Wood was quite chilly as I sat there watching the cover crop field. I had been surprised that there was little sign of the artichokes poking through as the ones in my garden are well established. However, I suspect that Tulchan is possibly 3 weeks behind Dundee climate-wise.
The edge of the field seemed to have a border of cereal growth but the main body showed little sign of cover crop germination. Over the next hour I did not see many pigeons, few of which showed any interest in the field that I was guarding. After a WhatsApp exchange with Neil, I moved up to the Boulders Woods. On my approach, I disturbed quite a few woodies that had been roosting in the trees. Again the field below had yet to germinate or show signs of a brear. I seemed to be on a minor flight line running north to south and brought down two wood pigeons. Most though were flying high on the strong wind and more intent on visiting Doig’s fields and also the barn at Drummick.
I then walked on to the Roundals. As I neared I could see a large flock of corvids feeding on the field. However, they saw me simultaneously and instantly scattered to the wood beside the new shooting hut. If I had approached from due east and gone through the east roundel, I probably would have been able to surprise them. However, quartering down from the farm track I had been visible to them.
I waited to see if they would return to no avail. Retracing my steps they rose like a cloud from their roost and landed in the field occupied by Doig’s cattle. As I got nearer they flew deeper into Doig’s land.
As I passed by the boulders again some roosting pigeons flew up and I spotted a brace pecking in the cover crop field at its west end but they also took their escape before I was in range.
Finally, as I returned to the Beeches, I saw about five pigeons at the south-east end pecking at the ground. Despite carefully inching through the wood from tree to tree, something spooked them before I was able to take a shot.
I saw fewer pigeons today than I normally do when standing on the peg at Tulchan. I suspect that they are currently on other fields at present, but may pay us a visit once the shoots start coming through? The corvids at the Roundals might be more of a current concern if they return again.
I will try and revisit next week sometime, and those there on Saturday may wish to scare any corvids off the field and come prepared to shoot after they have done their days tasks.
Having started off fairly dull, the sun had poked through intermittently during the day. Despite having been mainly in the shade of trees the whole time, I was surprised to see shadow line from my photochromic glasses when I got home and that ominous tight feeling in your face suggesting that I should have put on some sun cream.
And tomorrow evening we will be enjoying fresh pigeon breasts for tea.
off to Boot Camp now in Camperdown Park.