It's not a (Feral) Pigeon

Since retiring you may have noticed an increase in bird blips, and being a bit of a geek there's also a spreadsheet of birds seen and birds photographed. So this is the 130th bird photographed in 2010 and it's not a Pigeon, well at least it's not what is commonly referred to as a pigeon, which is actually a Feral Pigeon.

In the UK there are three species of pigeons, all of which are superficially alike. Most of us easily recognise a Wood Pigeon with the white on its neck and wings. The Rock Pigeon which is actually the same species as the very variably plumaged Feral Pigeon, has two well-marked dark bars on the wing and a white rump, but what we have pictured here is a Stock Dove. They are largely blue-grey with an attractive iridescent bottle green band on the back of the neck. In flight they show black edges to the wing and two partial black bands near their back.

Today's trip was to Diddington Gravel Pit. First time I'd been there, annoyingly I went with the wrong lens on the camera, it was still set up for the architectural shots from yesterday, rather than its telephoto for bird watching, so todays picture is with my point & shoot through the telescope. Still it was a good outing and Diddington will certainly be getting further visits.

The best bit of the day - just being able to stand and enjoy the sun's rays without the cold wind.