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Is it worth decoying pigeon on green rape stubble?
In previous autumns I have sometimes seen good numbers of birds feeding on greened-up rape stubble. What are they feeding on, and is it worth decoying them?
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Pigeon shooting
PETER THEOBALD
Contrary to popular belief these birds are not eating the leaves of young rape plants, they won’t touch these until every stubble in the area has been entirely gleaned of grain.
No, these pigeons are still finding enough rapeseed to focus their attention on, particularly if the field has been lightly cultivated and brought more food to the surface as a result.
I have never found anything other than seed – even if some of it has germinated – in the crops of birds shot over ‘greened’ rape fields.
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