Baby Pigeon was murdered!
When the pigeons nested in our truck shed, several weeks ago, I thought I was so lucky.
Every day I'd pop in and say hello.
Mrs Pigeon would stare down at me as she sat on her egg.
Mr Pigeon was goodness knows where. He'd disappeared after the deed was done.
Then one night I heard cheep cheep cheep. Yay, Baby Pigeon had hatched.
I wanted to lean a ladder against the wall and take a peek. But didn't dare for fear of upsetting the works.
The noise at feeding time was incredible. I'd stand outside the shed to listen because if Mrs Pigeon saw me she'd let out a short, deep coo and Baby Pigeon would instantly go quiet.
Oh, I wish my kids were that obedient!
Yesterday, Mrs Pigeon was perched on the bracing near her nest. How strange, I thought. Next thing, she flew outside.
I couldn't resist. I ran and grabbed the old wooden ladder.
After a shaky climb to the top, I peered into the nest. Baby Pigeon lay there...dead.
Gently, I pulled her out. I was amazed at how big she was. Nearly the size of an adult and nearly fully feathered. There was a gaping hole in her back.
Who could have done this?
Cat or Rat?
My first thought was Rat. It could have easily scuttled along the bracing. But would a rat kill a bird so big?
Next thought...Cat.
I visualised how it could reach the nest. It would have been a nimble puss to achieve that.
After a few tears I texted Man-slave. His reply was:
'There were cat paw prints on the bonnet of the ute.'
To avoid the frost he'd parked the ute in the shed, right under the nest.
Cat!
:(
Today Mr and Mrs Pigeon were perched together on the power pole.
I hope they will try again.