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Hunting in the city

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I’ve been hunting, not for food but for photographs.

This is the first step. I may have to go further and feed the preys somewhere.

The balcony is not a great place because these preys are known for littering.

The park is public, when the weather is acceptable there are plenty of alpha predators (also known as humans) the preys are afraid of.

Plus, I run the risk of becoming popular as a pigeon-feeder.

I’m not in Venice, we don’t really have a rule against feeding the birds, but I think such hobby isn’t appreciated by the community.

I know birds don’t need to be fed, but it’s the only way to get them closer.

It’s quite amazing there are lots of birds, despite the amount of cats that wander freely.

A bird I saw but wasn’t able to take pictures of, because of its size, was the sparrow.

I think hooded crows also dwell this city, but I haven’t seen any recently.

But I heard one as I’m typing. 

Enjoy these photos, until I get better ones. Hopefully, I will.

#1 Common pigeon (Columba livia)

I know, not the most impressive, but they're feathered citizens that deserve to be mentioned. Furthermore, they're smart and cute.

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#2 Common wood pigeon (Columba palumbus)

Another species of pigeon, quite common in Europe. They are slightly bigger than the common 'rock' cousins, and tend to build their nests on trees.

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  2. That is really interesting, are they the size if a stock pot? We have a New Zealand Wood Pigeon or Kereru. It looks like that but it is different colouring. I will put on another post and perhaps you can compare.

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#3 Eurasian magpie (Pica pica)

One of the most beautiful elegant birds we can meet in urban areas.

Magpies are known for being intelligent, and thievish.

They are omnivorous, and sometimes enjoy devouring the eggs of smaller birds.

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    • Indeed, there are different subspecies, some magpies aren’t even related to this one, the Pica pica. I guess you’re referring to the Australian magpie (Gymnorhina tibicen). They have a nice plumage, but yes, I read they sometimes attack people. ??

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#4 Western jackdaw (Coloeus monedula)

A dream come true! Jackdaws live in my city!

The jackdaw is my favorite bird, if we ignore the owls and eagles that are hard to find in the wild. It's intelligent like most crows, but the white iris is what makes it special. I really hope I can make friends with a jackdaw someday.

I couldn't take a clear picture, but you can see the eye.

It was holding something. At first, I thought it was a common crow (Corvus frugilegus) because his beak looked strange.

Later, a magpie tried to steal that piece of something from the jackdaw.

Stereotypes at their best.

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#5 Eurasian collared dove (Streptopelia decaocto)

This bird has a very distinctive sound: koo koo kook.

Sorry for the blurred photo, the dove was quite far.

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Written by sabtraversa

26 Comments

    • I really need to get my courage up and leave the ‘comfort zone’. ?
      I wish I could reach the roof, that would really help. At least people wouldn’t see me easily, but I could see everything and everyone. ?
      The park is another nice spot if I decide to feed the birds, but I need to get down there in the early morning or early evening.
      Thank you! ?

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    • Thanks! ? I’m not sure they really enjoy getting ‘shot’.
      They didn’t know I was, I hope they won’t see these photos and contact me complaining about privacy and such. ?

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