Country diary: The waddling wood pigeon is more shrewd than it appears

Sandy, Bedfordshire: The ivy is bursting with berries, yet only one bird is interested in having a plucking partyThe last and longest-lasting berry crop has sustained some stupid and resourceful birds all through the winter. At least this wood pigeon acts stupid; standing there on the lawn for three minutes or maybe more, allowing every stealth hunter in the neighbourhood an unhurried approach and a long, lingering appraisal of its chances.I'm beginning to think the bird might be sick, when the pigeon rouses itself, waddles a few steps like a shopper laden with too many bags, pauses and cocks its head. It waddles a few more steps and tips its eye to the sky. Only then can I see that it's actually looking hard at the fence, assessing the ivy for the ripeness of its fruit. Continue reading...