If there is a shortage of Band-tailed Pigeons in the Seattle area it's because they are all at my place here in the north Mason County area this summer. There are between 50 and 60 pigeons that come in every day to feed in the yard. They hoover up the food on the ground in just a few minutes and then jostle each other trying to get onto the hanging feeders which is quite comical to watch.

When on the ground and they get startled, which happens with great frequency, they all manage to fly into each other resulting in some getting batted back to the ground. So far they've managed to avoid the windows.

Having so many pigeons together in one place allows one to see the wide range of size difference in the adults. So far there is only one youngster which came north this spring with the rest of the flock(s). There haven't been any babies yet this season.

The rare times a mountain quail happens to be here when the pigeons are feeding the quail manages to hold its own.

Mary Hrudkaj
Belfair/Tahuya