Columba palumbus

I've tried to photograph woodpigeons before, but they never stop moving so up till now I've been pretty unsuccessful. Much use of the delete button.

However today I managed to get something worthwhile. I know, I know - they're a pest - but they really don't bother me. During one of those really hard winters I used to throw seed down onto the snow for them. At one point I counted 16 of them, pecking about.

I have wonderful little book by Matt Sewell called 'Our Garden Birds'. It has charming illustrations and descriptions. Here is how he talks about woodpigeons:

Like a half-cut grandad, proud as punch at his granddaughter's wedding; in a brand-new suit, having the time of his life, stuffed to the gunnels with booze and cake, and getting ready to take to the dancefloor.